Nellore, April 15: The countdown for GSLVD3, the first satellite launch vehicle to have indigenously developed cryogenic engine, commenced today at 11:23 a.m., 29 hours before the launch, slated at 4:27 pm tomorrow.
It will be for the first time that ISRO will be flight-testing the strategic technology, which is crucial to put communication satellites weighing more than two tonnes into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Geosynchronous orbit is 36,000 km above earth.
The 50-metre tall GSLVD3 with the country’s latest communication satellite GSAT-4 on board is scheduled to blast off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 4.27 p.m. tomorrow.
The 2,220 kg GSAT-4 satellite has a seven-year mission life.
The ISRO scientists have high hopes about GSAT as it was designed with latest technologies. ISRO chairman Radhakrishnan, who recently visited SHAR expressed satisfaction over the arrangements for the launch and said all sub-systems were working satisfactorily.
Barring some unexpected developments like bad weather, GSLV D3 launching will take place as per schedule.
“The mission is an important milestone for us as India will flight-test GSLVD3 using indigenously-built cryogenic engine. It is time for India as well as ISRO scientists to be self-reliant in space research,’’ he said.
Apart from the first time use of made in India cryogenic technology, the launch also involves one of the heaviest satellites ever put in space by Indian satellite launch vehicles.
The successful launch of the GSAT-4 will elevate India’s growing status as a space faring nation putting it in the league of a handful of nations that can launch satellites weighing above two tonnes in the geosynchronous orbit.
–Agencies