THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the recent failure of PSLV-C39 on August 31 this year, Isro centres here including VSSC and LPSC are doubly cautious. They are focused on the next mission of PSLV-C40 to launch 31 satellites including Cartosat -2ER by December end this year.A series of launches are lined up soon after that including GSLV-MK II in Dec, GSLV=MK III in March and Chandrayaan-2 in the first quarter of 2018. The reusable launch vehicle (RLV) second technology demonstrator flight is planned for next year.Though PSLV-C40 was planned for launch in November end, it is now decided to launch by December end after a series of tests. “Preparations are on for the next mission pf PSLV-C40 by next month end to launch 30 satellites at one go including the Cartosat-2ER satellite . It will be a robust launch,” Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) director K Sivan had told TOI.All precautions will be taken to prevent any anomalies, he said. In the previous PSLV launch, there was no design fault. The heat-shield at the top nozzle of the rocket failed to release the satellite into orbit and it could be due to a fault in pyro-techniques, he said.Normally the heat shield split into two halves at the conical nozzle opens up to release the satellite into the orbit, it failed to open 20 minutes after lift-off, the scientist explained. The heat shield is designed to absorb excessive heat produced by friction against atmosphere during take-off and to protect the components and fuel tanks of the rocket.“The reason why it failed could be due to some hitch in the pyrotechnic material of the heat shield or probably failure of the springs to trigger the force against atmosphere to open the shield to eject the satellite out. The exact reasons are being ascertained by the ‘Failure Analysis Committee of core scientists and the report will be released soon, said a lead scientist at VSSC.The PSLV-C39 launch was to place the IRNSS-1H, the eighth in the Indian Navigation Satellite series which was a step for the country’s self-reliance in GPS. The 1425 kg IRNSS-1H satellite launch was crucial as it was carrying atomic clocks to replace the Rubidium atomic frequency standard clocks that failed to function in the previous IRNSS-1A satellite, he said.While a VSSC scientist said, the failure analysis report is ready but it will be released only within the Isro centres. Based on its findings and recommendations all precautions will be taken to avert any failure, we are doubly cautious. A series of tests will be conducted before the next mission of PSLV-C40 slated for Dec end, he said.On the future missions lined up, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) director S Somnath said GSLV-Mark II or GSLV- F08 is slated for January next year to launch the communication satellite GSAT-6A and then it is planned for the next GSLV-Mk II flight F10 mission for launch of Chandrayaan-2, the second mission to moon with its indigenously developed lunar orbiter, lander and rover.The indigenous cryogenic engine for the upcoming GSLV mission will be a slightly upgraded version, said a scientist at VSSC.