The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) experienced a last-minute hold in the launch of Gaganyaan’s first Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Saturday. However, ISRO promptly identified and rectified the issue, and a new launch time has been scheduled for 10 a.m.
The TV-D1 flight was designed to demonstrate the performance of the Crew Escape System (CES) and was initially set for an 8 a.m. liftoff. It was subsequently rescheduled for 8:30 a.m. As the clock approached 8:30 a.m., the mission director initiated the automatic launch sequence, but the liftoff was postponed once more, this time to 8:45 a.m. Regrettably, just five seconds before liftoff, the launch had to be called off.
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath explained that the onboard computer detected an anomaly, prompting the automatic launch sequence to be put on hold. He emphasized that the launch vehicle remained safe throughout the process.
S. Somanath stated, “The engine ignition has to happen in the nominal course. We have to find out what went wrong with that. We will come back soon after analyzing what has triggered the automatic launch sequence holding the vehicle.”
He further added, “The launch vehicle is safe. We will have to reach the vehicle and look at what has happened. We will find out and understand the anomaly and schedule the launch very soon.”
