Indian Communications Satellite Rocket Explodes After Liftoff

An Indian Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) exploded after lifting off from its launch site on the island of Sriharikota, about 50 miles (80 kilometers)  from Chennai, on Christmas, December 25, 2010.

The rocket veered from its course about 50 seconds after liftoff, and then exploded about 15 seconds later.

The vehicle was carrying a communications satellite, the GSAT-5P, when it exploded.

The launch was originally supposed to have taken place on December 20, but a problem with one of the engines caused the launch to be postponed.

According to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the explosion was caused by a technical problem that requires further study.

The rocket and its payload cost 1.75 billion rupees, about US$39 million.

Previously, on April 2010, another GSLV crashed when lifting off.

A GSLV was scheduled to carry a lunar satellite and rover for a 2015 joint Indian-Russian lunar mission, the Chandrayaan-2.

In July, India successfully placed 5 satellites into orbit.

India plans to launch humans into space by 2016.