Part of the Indian National Satellite System, it was intended to operate in geosynchronous orbit as a replacement for INSAT-3E.
GSAT-5P was a 2,310-kilogram (5,090 lb) spacecraft, which was built by the Indian Space Research Organisation based on the I-2K satellite bus.
The rocket featured several modifications from previous flights, including an enlarged upper stage with more fuel to accommodate a heavier payload, and an enlarged composite payload fairing with a diameter of 4 metres (13 ft) in place of the regular 3.4 metres (11 ft) aluminium fairing.
[7] Forty five seconds after launch the four liquid fuelled boosters attached to the first stage ceased responding to commands, resulting in a loss of control.
Sixty three seconds into the flight, the Range Safety Officer activated a self-destruct mechanism aboard the rocket, causing it to explode.