Fatal Blast at Rocket Plant Will Not Affect ISRO Programs

摘要

The fatal explosion Feb. 23 at India's main rocket-testing and launch center occurred during fabrication of a new-generation solid-propellant motor that is not used on any satellite launchers or ballistic missiles, according to an Indian space official. Rajeev Lochan, assistant scientific secretary of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said the motor was not connected with any ISRO rocket or to India's Agni intermediate-range ballistic missile. "We keep designing and testing motors to optimize such parameters as the specific impulse and burning time," Lochan said Feb. 25 in a telephone interview. "This activity goes on all the time as part of technology development."