GSLV-D5, powered by a redesigned cryogenic engine is scheduled to be launched from Sriharikota (SHAR) later today. She is expected to carry India’s latest communication satellite - the 1,982 kg GSAT-14 - into space.
The launch of the latest avatar of Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-D5) is programmed for 16:50 IST today, 19 Aug 2013. The 29-hour countdown began at 11:50 IST on Sunday.
The vehicle is on the launch pad and carries the GSAT-14 satellite weighing 1,982 kg. The rocket itself weighs 414 tonnes and is 49 metres tall.
Impressive.
The significance of today’s launch lies in the indigenous cryogenic engine as the third upper stage. This is the 2nd time that a GSLV is attempting an indigenous cryogenic engine - and the sad fact is the first flight with India-made cryogenic stage failed in April 2010.
This is the eighth GSLV flight. Of the earlier 7 GSLV missions, six used cryogenic engines from Russia. Even with the Russian Cryo engines, GSLV has brought more grief than cheer to ISRO and us.
Of 6 Russian Cryo powered GSLV launches, 3 were complete failures. One was a partial failure and only two have been successful.
Let us keep our fingers crossed and hopes alive. If the Chennai sky clears up, I might attempt to snap a video just like the one for Google Phone Satellite launch.
Update: 19/08/13- 1630 IST : GLSV-D5 with GSAT14 launch called off due to leakage in 2nd stage.
Here is the snapshot of GSLV-D5 sitting pretty on her pads.
(image courtesy The Hindu)
The launch of the latest avatar of Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-D5) is programmed for 16:50 IST today, 19 Aug 2013. The 29-hour countdown began at 11:50 IST on Sunday.
The vehicle is on the launch pad and carries the GSAT-14 satellite weighing 1,982 kg. The rocket itself weighs 414 tonnes and is 49 metres tall.
Impressive.
The significance of today’s launch lies in the indigenous cryogenic engine as the third upper stage. This is the 2nd time that a GSLV is attempting an indigenous cryogenic engine - and the sad fact is the first flight with India-made cryogenic stage failed in April 2010.
This is the eighth GSLV flight. Of the earlier 7 GSLV missions, six used cryogenic engines from Russia. Even with the Russian Cryo engines, GSLV has brought more grief than cheer to ISRO and us.
Of 6 Russian Cryo powered GSLV launches, 3 were complete failures. One was a partial failure and only two have been successful.
Let us keep our fingers crossed and hopes alive. If the Chennai sky clears up, I might attempt to snap a video just like the one for Google Phone Satellite launch.
Update: 19/08/13- 1630 IST : GLSV-D5 with GSAT14 launch called off due to leakage in 2nd stage.
Here is the snapshot of GSLV-D5 sitting pretty on her pads.
(image courtesy The Hindu)
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