Fire no setback to ISRO schedule: Spokesman

An Indian Space Research Organisation spokesman said the Monday's fire at the space centre in Sriharikota was "absolutely no setback' to ISRO's future schedule.

Also Read Fire in Sriharikota, six killed

Six persons were killed in the fire at the solid propellant booster plant at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

ISRO has sufficient back up facility in Sriharikota for the one that was gutted in Monday's explosion, ISRO spokesman
Ravindranath said.
 
He said the whole area has been cordoned off and an inquiry ordered into the incident.
 
A high-level team will be constituted soon to look into various aspects of the mishap. The team will submit its preliminary report within 10 days of starting the probe and the final report within six months.

To a question about the damage suffered in the mishap, he said the exact quantum of loss had not yet been estimated.

Ravindranath said ISRO has announced a compensation of Rs 500,000 each to the four ISRO employees who died in the mishap.

He said ISRO will also favourably consider extending 'fair relief' to the two casual labourers killed in the mishap.

Ravindranath ruled out the possibility of sabotage behind the incident.
 
Lensmen and reporters are not being allowed to the mishap site, which is located about 20 km from the main building.