29-hour countdown for launch of GSlV-D5 commences

29-hour countdown for launch of GSlV-D5 commences
Published on: 

The 29-hour countdown for the launch of ISRO's rejuvenated Geo-synchronous Satellite launch Vehicle (GSlV-D5) commenced at 11.18 AM today at Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.

"The 29-hour countdown for tomorrow's launch at 4.18 PM of GSlV-D5 carrying 1,980 kg GSAT-14 communication satellite commenced as planned and is progressing smoothly," ISRO spokesperson Deviprasad Karnik told PTI.

The GSlV-D5's first mission attempt with indigenous cryogenic engine was aborted at the eleventh hour on August 19 last year due to a fuel leak in its second stage.

Fuel tank made of aluminium alloy called Afnor 7020 tended to develop crack over a period of time and the leak was blamed on it.

The GSlV is designed to inject its passenger spacecraft into the intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit with a combination of solid, earth-storable liquid and cryogenic propellants in it’s first, second and third stages, respectively. 

Daily Pioneer
dailypioneer.com