ISRO clears GSLV launch after tests
22 Dec 2010
Chennai: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday began preparing for the launch of an advanced communications satellite once again after investigations into a leaking rocket engine valve revealed no danger to flight plans.
The flight of ISRO's heaviest rocket, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F06), which has a cryogenic final stage, had to be aborted after the fault developed. The cryogenic engine has been supplied by Russia.
The leak in the engine was detected during the pre-countdown tests on Sunday, even as the 51-metre tall rocket was already placed on the launch pad at Sriharikota.
The GSAT-5P satellite is meant to retire the INSAT-2E sent up in 1999 and ensure continuity of telecom, TV and weather services. The flight was originally scheduled for Monday.
According to S Satish, director, ISRO: ''The test results are satisfactory and the rocket's launch date is being finalised.''
The tests were conducted Tuesday to gauge the extent of the valve leak in consultation with Russian scientists. The Russians had supplied seven cryogenic engines through an earlier contract, of which five have already been used in earlier GSLV launches.
.jpg "RBI keeps repo rate unchanged as focus remains on inflation")
.jpg "Indian Oil, Panasonic team up for lithium-ion cell production in India")
