Article Posted on : - Dec 21, 2010

A file photo of GSAT-5P satellite on board Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F06).

BANGALORE (PTI): Indian Space Research Organisation is expected to take a decision on Tuesday on the fresh date for launch of GSAT-5P satellite on board Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F06) after conducting an experiment to study the leak that led to the mission's postponement.

As of now, it appears to be a "liveable leak", an ISRO official told PTI here, a day after the space agency put off the launch from the spaceport of Sriharikota due to a "minor leak" in one of the valves of the Russian Cryogenic stage, observed during the pre-countdown checks.

"We are planning to do a small experiment on Tuesday to ascertain the cause for the leak. If the leak is the same (as noticed during the pre-countdown checks), then we can go ahead with the launch. If the leak is increasing... beyond certain limits, then we have to stop (the mission)," the official said on condition of anonymity.

If things are okay after verifications, ISRO might schedule the launch for Thursday, sources in the Bangalore-headquartered agency said.

The 29-hour countdown planned to commence at 11 am on Sunday had not been authorised by the Launch Authorisation Board that met in the forenoon to review the results of pre-countdown checks.