Countdown begins for GSLV-F06 launch

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The 30-hour countdown for the launch of the Indian Space Research Organisation's GSLV-F06 with the advanced communication satellite GSAT 5P onboard, began on Friday, setting the process in motion for the take-off on December 25 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The officials said that the GSAT 5P launch on-board the GSLV-F06 will take place at 4.04 PM on Christmas Day and the countdown for the launch commenced on Friday. 'The 30 hour countdown began on Friday at 11.04 am and the rocket will be launched at 4.04 pm on Saturday,' said ISRO Director S Satish. Mr Satish said pre-launch checks are being carried out at the rocket port and everything is proceeding at a smooth pace.

The rocket launch, originally scheduled for Monday, was aborted by ISRO Sunday when it detected a leak in one of the valves of the Russian-made cryogenic engine. Subsequently ISRO and the Russian scientists conducted detailed tests to check the stability of the faulty valve. The space agency had on Wednesday decided to go ahead with the launch as the test results were satisfactory. The 51-meter tall Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) with the 2,310 kg GSAT-5P satellite on board will retire INSAT-2E sent up in 1999 and will ensure continuity of telecom, television and weather services.

The GSAT-5P has 36 transponders, including 24 C-band transponders and 12 extended C-band ones. The transponders will be useful in telecasting television programmes, including those related to telemedicine and tele-education and in boosting telephonic services. The mission will last 1,140 seconds, at the end of which the cryogenic stage will catapult the GSAT-5P into the orbit. The GSAT 5P is ISRO'S first GSLV launch after the failed April 15 flight testing of the indigenous cryogenic engine in the GSLV-D3 mission.

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