GSLV D5 satellite to be launched on 15 December

Kozhikode(Ker): The launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), which was deferred on 19 August following a flaw in the rocket, will take place on 15 December, ISRO head said here today.

"The launch of GSLV D5 satellite which was postponed on 19 August about two hours before liftoff after detection of a fuel leak in the rockets' second stage will now be held on 15 December," ISRO chairman Dr K Radhakrishnan said at an interactive session with students and teachers here.

[caption id="attachment_1138589" align="alignleft" width="380"] Representational image. AFP[/caption]

GSLV is a three-stage/engine rocket. The first stage is fired with solid fuel, the second is the liquid fuel and the third stage is the cryogenic engine. Geosynchronous satellites are placed in orbits 36,000 km above the earth.

Pointing to ISRO's numerous achievements in the last 50 years, he said India ranks sixth globally in space technology. The primary objective is to advance space technology and use its applications for national benefit and for the people.

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Radhakrishnan said India's ambitious project Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) will be launched from Sriharikota on 28 October. It has undergone extensive pre-launch test at ISRO's satellite centre in Bangalore, he said.

Nearly 100 students and teachers attended the programme at the Regional Science Centre and Planetarium.

PTI