Here’s why PSLV-C39 failed to Launch IRNSS 1H satellite and imploded
The PSLV-C39 rocket, which failed to launch the IRNSS 1H satellite on Thursday, was dragged down by at least one tonne of extra weight from the unseparated heat shield after the second stage, its velocity reduced by one kilometre per second.
This greatly reduced the altitude it was to reach for a successful mission, say scientists privy to the project.
Former Isro Satellite Centre director SK Shivakumar said: “The launch vehicle was carrying at least one tonne more than its design permitted it, as the heat shield did not separate. This affected its velocity. For example, it should have attained a velocity of 9.5km per second at the end of it but attained only 8.5km per second.”
The heat shield is meant to protect the satellite from the heat generated due to friction against atmosphere...