ISRO has indefinitely postponed the launch of GSLV-D3 that was scheduled between January 15-23. Photo Credit: ISROJanuary 02, 2010, (Sawf News) - ISRO has indefinitely postponed the launch of GSLV-D3 that was scheduled between January 15-23.
The GSLV-D3 is a development test for ISRO's GSLV Mk-2 launcher that replaces the Russian supplied cryogenic engine third stage with an Indian developed cryogenic engine stage.
The integration of the indigenous cryogenic upper stage (CUS) to the GSLV-D3 launcher has been suspended.
"There are several small issues relating to the indigenous cryogenic stage. It takes time to understand cryogenic engines. We want to ensure that everything is reliable," ISRO sources told The Hindu.
The GSLV-D3 will orbit GSAT- 4, a two-ton technology demonstrator satellite with a communication payload comprising multi-beam Ka-band pipe and regenerative transponder and navigation payload in C, L1 and L5 bands.
GSLV Mk-2 with an Indian CUS will eventually be capable of launching 2,500 kg into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).
The cryogenic engines that have powered GSLV launchers so far were sold to India by Russia. Of the seven cryogenic engines supplied, five have now been used. Eventually, all GSLVs will use the Indian CUS that develops 9 ton of thrust against 7.5 ton of the Russian CUS and carries 15 ton of propellant against 12.5 ton.
A human flight rated version of GSLV Mk-2 with a capsule escape rocket is proposed to be used initially for India's manned space mission.
For details on the project see my knol.
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