The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed Monday’s rocket launch, meant to put an advanced communications satellite into orbit, following the detection of a leak in its Russian-made cryogenic engine.
The rocket, called a geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV), was to carry GSAT-5P, an advanced communications satellite meant to retire an earlier one sent up in 1999 and ensure continuity of telecom, TV and weather services.
According to a statement issued by ISRO Sunday, the GSLV launch scheduled for Dec 20 has been postponed due to a minor leak in one of the valves of the Russian cryogenic stage/engine.
The leak was observed during the pre-countdown checks.
The 29 hour countdown, planned to commence at 11.01 a.m. Sunday, was not authorised by the Lauch Authorisation Board. The board met during the forenoon at the Sriharikota rocket launch centre to review the results of pre-countdown checks and decided against proceeding with the mission.
According to ISRO, the revised satellite launch date will be firmed up after ascertaining the cause of the leak and taking appropriate remedial action.
