spacetoday.net: GSLV failure linked to faulty turbopump

Posted: Sat, Jul 10, 2010, 11:52 AM ET (1552 GMT)
GSLV-D3 prior to launch (ISRO)

The failure of an Indian launch vehicle earlier this year has been traced back to a turbopump in a new, indigenously-developed upper stage, the Indian space agency ISRO reported Friday. The April 15 launch of the GSLV failed when the third stage engine failed immediately after ignition, preventing the rocket's payload from reaching orbit. ISRO officials said Friday that the launch proceeded as planned up to third stage ignition, when the engine ignited but shut down within seconds because of a lack of liquid hydrogen fuel. ISRO traced the problem back to a turbopump in the engine system, blaming the turbopump's failure on either a seizure of a rotor in the turbopump or a rupture of the turbine casing. ISRO officials said they hope to fly the GSLV with the indigenously-developed upper stage within a year, and would use older upper stages with a Russian-designed engine for two upcoming GSLV missions.