29-hour countdown for launch of GSLV-D5 commences

CHENNAI: The 29-hour countdown for the launch of ISRO's rejuvenated Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle ( GSLV-D5) commenced at 11.18 AM 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.