| Mission type | Communication |
|---|---|
| Operator | ISRO |
| Mission duration | 12-14 years (planned) Failed to orbit |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Bus | I-2K |
| Manufacturer | ISRO |
| Launch mass | 2,310 kilograms (5,090 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 25 December 2010, 10:34 (2010-12-25UTC10:34Z) UTC |
| Rocket | GSLV Mk.I F06 |
| Launch site | Satish DhawanSLP |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Geostationary |
| Longitude | 55° East |
| Epoch | Planned |
| Transponders | |
| Band | 36G/H band (IEEEC band) |
GSAT-5P, orGSAT-5 Prime, was an Indiancommunications satellite which was lost in a launch failure in December 2010. Part of theIndian National Satellite System, it was intended to operate ingeosynchronous orbit as a replacement forINSAT-3E.
GSAT-5P was a 2,310-kilogram (5,090 lb) spacecraft, which was built by theIndian Space Research Organisation based on theI-2Ksatellite bus.[1] ISRO also launched the satellite, and was to have been responsible for its operation. It was equipped with 36transponders operating in theG/H band of theNATO-defined spectrum, or theC band of the olderIEEE 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 alongitude of 55 degrees east.[3]
The launch of GSAT-5P used aGeosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk.I,[1]serial number F06, and took place from theSecond Launch Pad at theSatish 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 enlargedcompositepayload 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]
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, theRange Safety Officer activated aself-destruct mechanism aboard the rocket, causing it to explode.[8][9] Debris from the launch fell into theBay of Bengal.[10] It was the second consecutive launch failure involving a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, following the loss ofGSAT-4 in April 2010.[11]
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.
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