Down but not out: 

Down but not out: 

Context

The recent launch of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) was a failure. It was carried by PSLV-C39 rocket. The failed PSLV attempt to launch the navigation satellite would not affect the future missions.

What is the Issue?

The PSLV-C39 rocket carrying the eighth satellite of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) had a normal lift-off and flight events but ended in an unsuccessful mission.

Why did PSLV-C39 rocket fail?

The heat-shield failed to separate, resulting in the satellite separation occurring within the shield. This resulted in the failure of the rocket.

What are the major learning from the failure?

• The failed mission serves as a reminder that utmost care and scrutiny are required before every single launch.
• This is the first time since 1997 that ISRO has had a failed launch. It had a spree of 37 straight successful PSLV launches.
• Navigation satellite ‘IRNSS-1H’ was meant to augment the existing seven satellites of the NavIC constellation to give India its own GPS services on a par with the US and Russia. It was thus a missed opportunity.

What is the impact of the failure?

• The failure of the mission is disheartening as the IRNSS-1H satellite was jointly assembled and tested by ISRO and a Bangalore-based private company, the first time a single private company, rather than a consortium, was involved in building a satellite.
• The space organization has thrown open its doors to private companies to build as many as 18 spacecraft a year beginning mid or end-2018.
• The IRNSS-1H satellite was launched as a replacement for the IRNSS-1A satellite, which became in operational in terms of surveillance following the failure of all three atomic clocks.

What is the possible result of the failure?

• With the failure of this mission, India will have to wait for some more time before the next mission to send a replacement for the IRNSS-1A satellite is ready.
• The IRNSS was created so that the country would not need to rely on American-based GPS data — the encrypted, accurate positioning and navigation information provided by the system will make Indian military operations self-reliant.