GSAT-5P

GSAT-5P, or GSAT-5 Prime, was an Indian communications satellite which was lost in a launch failure in December 2010. Part of the Indian National Satellite System, it was intended to operate in geosynchronous orbit as a replacement for INSAT-3E.

GSAT-5P
Mission typeCommunication
OperatorISRO
Mission duration12-14 years (planned)
Failed to orbit
Spacecraft properties
BusI-2K
ManufacturerISRO
Launch mass2,310 kilograms (5,090 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date25 December 2010, 10:34 (2010-12-25UTC10:34Z) UTC
RocketGSLV Mk.I F06
Launch siteSatish Dhawan SLP
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeGeostationary
Longitude55° East
EpochPlanned
Transponders
Band36 G/H band (IEEE C band)
 

Satellite

GSAT-5P was a 2,310-kilogram (5,090 lb) spacecraft, which was built by the Indian Space Research Organisation based on the I-2K satellite bus.[1] ISRO also launched the satellite, and was to have been responsible for its operation. It was equipped with 36 transponders operating in the G/H band of the NATO-defined spectrum, or the C band of the older IEEE spectrum. Twelve of the transponders operated on extended frequencies within the band.[2] GSAT-5P was expected to operate for at least 12 years, and would have been placed at a longitude of 55 degrees east.[3]

Launch

The launch of GSAT-5P used a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk.I,[1] serial number F06, and took place from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The rocket featured several modifications from previous flights, including an enlarged upper stage with more fuel to accommodate a heavier payload, and an enlarged composite payload fairing with a diameter of 4 metres (13 ft) in place of the regular 3.4 metres (11 ft) aluminium fairing.[3]

The launch was originally scheduled for 20 December 2010, but was delayed to allow a leaking valve on the upper stage to be repaired.[4] Following the repair of the leak, the launch was rescheduled for 25 December 2010.[5] The countdown began 06:34 UTC on 24 December 2010.[6] and launch occurred at 10:34 UTC on 25 December.[7]

Failure

Forty five seconds after launch the four liquid fuelled boosters attached to the first stage ceased responding to commands, resulting in a loss of control. Sixty three seconds into the flight, the Range Safety Officer activated a self-destruct mechanism aboard the rocket, causing it to explode.[8][9] Debris from the launch fell into the Bay of Bengal.[10] It was the second consecutive launch failure involving a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, following the loss of GSAT-4 in April 2010.[11]

gollark: We can reduce the annoying bad bits somewhat. Or try to, anyway.
gollark: I'm entirely accepting of moral standards which are reasonably reciprocal toward my own set and which don't do anything horrible.
gollark: Nihilism would be "nothing matters" or something.
gollark: We *will* destroy all plants.
gollark: Orbital nature lasers are already warming up.

See also

Video observation of post lift-off demonstrates stage failure. Clearly observed longitudinal axis structural offset at boost, expanded boost axis to thrust vector beyond control limit.

  • see about 32 sec.

References
  1. Krebs, Gunter. "GSAT 5P". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  2. "Countdown starts for GSAT-5P launch". IndiaVision. 24 December 2010. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  3. Clark, Stephen (25 December 2010). "Indian rocket fails moments after liftoff". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  4. "Launch of GSLV-F06 / GSAT-5P Mission Postponed" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. 19 December 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 May 2013. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  5. "Launch of GSLV-F06 / GSAT-5P scheduled for Dec 25, 2010" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. 23 December 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 May 2013. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  6. "Countdown commences for the Launch of GSLV-F06 / GSAT-5P" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. 24 December 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 May 2013. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  7. Boucher, Marc (25 December 2010). "India's Launch of GSAT-5P Telecommunications Satellite Fails". SpaceRef. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  8. "Rocket failed after 45 seconds, says ISRO". Hindustan Times. 25 December 2010. Archived from the original on 26 December 2010. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  9. "GSAT-5P launch fails, satellite vehicle explodes mid-air". Times of India. 25 December 2010. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  10. Ram, Arun (25 December 2010). "Christmas turns sour for ISRO, GSLV mission fails". Times of India. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  11. Bergin, Chris (25 December 2010). "FAILURE: Indian GSLV fails during launch with GSAT-5P satellite". NASASpaceflight.com. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
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