Sadly, a difficult week for India. GSLV is an interesting launcher, more capable than a Delta 2 but less capable than an Atlas 2, with a powerful solid propellant first stage core that is augmented by four strap-on *liquid* boosters that provide steering during the solid core burn and that continue to burn for a minute or so *longer* than the solid core. The liquid boosters basically are powered by hypergolic Viking 2 engines, the same engines that powered Ariane 1. They have been reliable in the past, so it will be interesting to learn what happened in this accident.<br /><br /> - Ed Kyle