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A rocket carrying an Indian communication satellite exploded just after liftoff in the second launch failure for India's space agency this year.
Television images showed the rocket exploding in smoke and fire just after it launched on Saturday from the Sriharikota space center in Andhra Pradesh State. It was carrying a GSAT-5P communication satellite into orbit.
The vehicle developed an error 47 seconds after liftoff and lost command, leading to a higher angle in the flight, said K. Radhakrishnan, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization.
"That caused a higher stress, breaking up the vehicle," Radhakrishnan told reporters. The satellite GSAT-5P, powered by Russian engine, was expected to serve the needs of the telecommunication sector and the weather department and would have eventually replaced the INSAT-2E satellite that was sent up in 1999.
The GSAT-5P is a satellite with 36 transponders which can be used for beaming television and radio programs and telephonic conversations, for conducting telemedicine and tele-education programs and organizing banking services.
In April, a similar rocket on a developmental flight plunged into the Bay of Bengal. The ISRO said its rotor seized and turbine casing ruptured, probably due to excessive pressure and thermal stresses.
Yashpal, a retired Indian scientist and independent commentator, said he was very disappointed by Saturday's failure, but other countries too have experienced such problems.
"I hope it's just one of those things," Yashpal, who uses one name, told reporters.
India is planning its first manned space flight in 2016.
Questions:
1. What is the name of the satellite?
2. After how many seconds did the error occur?
3. When is India planning its first manned space flight?
Answers:
1. GSAT-5P
2. 47 seconds
3. 2016
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About the broadcaster:
Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.
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