The Indian Space Research Organisation called off the development test flight of the Gaganyaan Mission just seconds before launch due to an anomaly.
The computer, which had taken over the launch command, called off the launch with just five seconds on the clock as the Indian space agency said that it would review the issue and identify the anomaly.
Isro Chief S Somnath said that something triggered the computer to withhold the launch. “We will manually analyse the anomaly,” he added.
The test launch was delayed earlier in the morning, due to weather issues at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. However, all looked good as the automatic launch sequence commenced and the onboard computer took over the command of the mission.
“Engine ignition didn’t happen. We have to find out what went wrong. The vehicle is safe,” Somanath said in the livestream.
The liquid-propelled single-stage Test Vehicle (TV-D1) was to launch on a brief yet consequential flight carrying a homegrown system that would be crucial for the safety of the Indian astronauts – the Crew Escape System.