CHENNAI, Aug 16: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will embark on a crucial GSLV Mission using its own cryogenic engine, when GSLV-D5, carrying the 1,980 kg advanced communication Satelite GSAT-14, lifts off at 1650 hrs on August 19 from the SDSC Centre at Sriharikota, about 100 km from here.
ISRO sources told today that the 29-hour countdown for the launch that would take place from the Second Launch Pad would commence at 1150 hrs on August 18.
”The vehicle was completely integrated with the launch pad and the umbilicals connected”, the sources said.
”Pre-checks are going on smoothly…Everything is going on as per schedule”, the sources said, exuding confidence of tasting success this time.
During the final countdown the rocket would be filled with propellants.
This would be the first GSLV mission for ISRO in three years after the twin failures in 2010.
The First stage of the three stage GSLV vehicle comprises S125 solid booster with four liquid (L40) strap-ons. The Second stage (GS2) was liquid engine and the third stage (GS3) was the cryo stage.
On the modifications carried out in the second engine in the wake of the failure of the first engine in GSLV-D3 mission, which could not place the GSAT-4 satellite in the orbit, the sources said some connected sub-systems in the fuel booster turbo pumps were modified.
”After analysing the failure, we had modified the design of the fuel booster turbo pumps and it was tested succcessfully”, the sources added.
The cryo stage consists of eight tonne thrust engine and 12.5 tonnes of propellants.
The sources said during the last three years, ISRO have done a series of ground tests on the sub-systems and the cryogenic engine at the Liquid Propulsions Systems Centre at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu, after making the necessary design changes in the booster turbo pumps and the oxidiser turbo pump.
All the tests were successful and the ISRO was now keenly looking forward for the success of the mission. (UNI)
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