Posted: Fri, Apr 16, 2010, 10:06 AM ET (1406 GMT)
The first launch of a new version of India's largest launch vehicle, featuring an indigenously-developed upper stage, failed on Thursday when the upper stage tumbled out of control. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) lifted off on schedule at 6:57 am EDT (1057 GMT) Thursday from the Indian launch site at the Satish Dhawan Space Center on India's eastern coast. The first two stages of the rocket performed normally, but problems developed with the new upper stage, which tumbled out of control and eventually splashed down in the ocean. In a statement the Indian space agency ISRO said it wasn't certain if the upper stage engine ignited. That engine, powered by liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, was developed in India and was flying for the first time, replacing a Russian engine.

Related Links:

•  Spaceflight Now article
•  BBC article
•  Space News article
•  The Hindu article
•  ISRO press release