Breaking
Of A Dream
On many days, Kalam and his team members skipped the lunch hour, without even
realizing that they were hungry. Such a flow was experienced nearing the completion of the
project. The SLV-3 dream was finally realized in the middle of 1979. Its first
experimental flight was scheduled on August 10, 1979. The 23-meter long, four-stage SLV
rocket weighing 17 tons, finally took off elegantly at 0758 hours and immediately started
following its programmed trajectory.
Stage I was a smooth
transition of perfection to the second stage. They could see their dreams and hopes
soaring in the form of SLV-3. Suddenly the spell was broken as the second stage went out
of control. The flight was terminated after 317 seconds and the vehicle’s remains,
including fourth stage with the payload splashed into the sea. The incident fueled anger
and frustration and overall disappointment. He could soon recollect his failure of Nandi,
the abandoning RATO, the abortion of the SLV – Diamont fourth stage all like a long
buried phoenix rising from its ashes.
| Kalam addressed the meeting and Prof. Dhawan, "Sir, even though my friends have technically justified the failure, I take the responsibility for judging the RFNA leak detected during the final phase of countdown as insignificant. As a Mission Director, I should have put the launch on hold and saved the flight if possible. In a similar situation abroad, the Mission Director would have lost his job. I therefore take responsibility for the SLV-3 failure." Kalam was sad, but not in solitude as Dr Brahm Prakash filled him with new confidence. Dr Brahm Prakash taught him the traits and gave him a new perspective. |
|
On July 17, 1980, 30 hours before the
launch of the second SLV-3, the media buzzed with mixed reports. Some newspapers recalled
the past failures while a few sounded positive about its success. 
SLV–3 - Success At
Last
On July 18, 1980, at 0803 hours, India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle, SLV-3,
lifted off from SHAR. 600 seconds before the take-off, Kalam noticed the computer
displaying data about stage IV giving the required velocity to the Rohini Satellite,
carried as payload to enter its orbit. Within next two minutes, Rohini was set into motion
in a low earth orbit. Kalam spoke the most important words he ever uttered in his life:
"Mission Director calling all stations. Stand by for an important announcement. All
stages performed to mission requirements. The fourth stage apogee motor has given the
required velocity to put Rohini Satellite into orbit." There were happy cries
everywhere. Kalam was lifted on the shoulders by his colleagues and carried in procession.
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