ISRO tests upgraded rocket stage after past flight glitches

The Indian Space Research Organisation has successfully tested the third stage of its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on Thursday at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This ground static test comes after ISRO noticed problems in the third stage during the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 and PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 missions. Following those issues, the space agency thoroughly reviewed the design margins, raw material checks, assembly steps, and quality rules for this stage. ISRO strengthened the rocket stage by updating the nozzle design, improving raw material rules, and fixing how parts are put together. The agency also added extra seals and checked that the design margins are safe. New tests were also added while putting parts together and moving them. The space agency will plan more tests after looking closely at the data from this successful trial.

Context

Rocket motors go through strict ground tests before they fly to make sure every part handles extreme heat and pressure. Space agencies test upgraded rocket stages on the ground to fix past failures and make future launches safer.