Regulator malfunctioning caused failure of GSLV-F2 mission

Bangalore, Sep 6 (UNI) Higher than the stipulated thrust generated from a propellant regulator of the Vikas engine of the fourth strap on motor led to the disintegration of GSLV F02 on July 10, failing to hurl into space satellite INSAT 4C aimed at revolutionising DTH telecast in the country.

The failed mission had, however, not ''derailed the GSLV programme and the next launch would take place in June next with INSAT-4C repeat being the payload, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman G Madhavan Nair told reporters here today after revealing the findings and recommendations of the Failure Analysis Committee (FAC), constituted to go into the failed mission.

He said the malfunctioning of a mechanical component due to inadvertent manufacturing defect had resulted in the propellant regulator generating much higher thrust control than the prescribed limit, leading to the engine shutting down barely 0.2 seconds after lift off and five seconds after ignition.

''It was a hidden problem that led to the break up of the launch vehicle 62 seconds into the flight,'' Mr Nair said adding that the 15-member FAC had concluded that the performance of all vehicle subsystems, except for the fourth strap on stage, was normal until 56.4 seconds.

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