After the success of PSLV-C40, Isro scientists set focus on next GSLV launch

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the successful launch of PSLV-C40 on Friday, scientists and directors of Isro units here including Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) are back. Though relieved, many refrained from cheering up in their usual way as the failure of the previous PSLV-C39 launch on Aug 31 last year had cost many dear.
A couple of scientists indicated that the previous launch failure had marred the prospects of a second term for the current Isro chairman Kiran Kumar who is due to superannuate on Jan 14. However, a lead scientist at LPSC pointed out that Isro chairman Kiran Kumar had decided himself to hand over the responsibility to the next incumbent and commended it as a `great gesture’ from a stalwart of Indian space.
“It is gratifying that PSLV-C40 was successfully launched after the last event of PSLV-C39 marginally went out in the midst due to non-separation of the heat shield that failed to release the satellite in orbit. After that had a rigorous set of operations to ensure a robust launch and it was resolved for a successful launch now,” Isro chairman Kiran Kumar told TOI.
On whether the hitch in the last launch had affected the prospect for a second term in office, he brushed it aside saying everybody has a term and after that has to handover.
On his return here after the successful launch, VSSC director K Sivan told TOI, “All stages performed well, PSLV-C40 launch was successful. It launched 31 satellites including three Indian and 28 commercial satellites,” s told TOI. He is set to take charge as the new Isro chairman by next week. The appointments committee of the Cabinet had already approved the proposal based on the recommendation of a cabinet subcommittee on space for the appointment of VSSC director K Sivan as Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman of Space Commission.
“It is a perfect launch, the analysis was done and all satellites are appropriately placed,” said LPSC director S Somnath after the successful launch of PSLV-C40. The next launches are lined up and about 13 launches are planned this year. The first stage of GSLV-MII is already assembled and the preparations are on for its launch. Then another GSLV MK-II is planned to launch Chandrayaan-II moon mission in April. Following that GSLV-MIII launch and then about seven PSLVs.
This PSLV-C40 launched 31 satellites including 710 kg Cartosat-2 Series Satellite for earth observation and 30 co-passenger satellites together weighing about 613 kg at lift-off. The co-passenger satellites include one microsatellite and one nanosatellite from India as well as 3 microsatellites and 25 nanosatellites from six countries, including Canada, Finland, France, Republic of Korea, UK and USA. The total weight of all the 31 satellites carried on board PSLV-C40 is about 1323 kg, VSSC scientists said.