The successful launch of the communication satellite INSAT-4CR by the geo-synchronous satellite launch vehicle GSLV F04 on Sunday in Sriharikota is a morale booster for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The organisation is mourning the death of three of its employees in a car accident on August 24. The car in which two senior officials, Rajeev Lochan, scientific secretary, and S Krishnamurthy, director of publications and public relations, met with an accident near the temple town of Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh.
Lochan and driver Chandran died on the spot while Krishnamurthy succumbed to the injuries on Saturday morning.
This apart, the failure of GSLV F02 in July 2006 that carried INSAT-4C was weighing down the minds of ISRO officials.
And the latest launch too had its share of anxious moments for scientists here. It was originally slated for Saturday but was postponed by a day due to inclement weather.
Then the launch was scheduled at 4.21 pm but it was put on hold as the rocket's computers detected some anomalies in the vehicle parameters.
Subsequently, the launch was rescheduled at 6.20 pm. ISRO officials also thought of putting off the launch by a day if the vehicle did not meet the launch book parameters.
{{/usCountry}}Subsequently, the launch was rescheduled at 6.20 pm. ISRO officials also thought of putting off the launch by a day if the vehicle did not meet the launch book parameters.
{{/usCountry}}However, at the appointed time, the rocket ascended up to complete its duty.