The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) heavy rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Development 5 (GSLV-D5) lifts-off successfully from the spaceport at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh at 4.18 pm Sunday. The 29-hour countdown for the launch of GSLV-D5 with the indigenous engine began Saturday 11.18 am. The launch is crucial for India as it seeks to prove the design, realisation and sustained firing of its indigenously built cryogenic engine after two back-to-back failures of the GSLV flights in 2010 — the first, with an indigenous cryogenic engine, on April 15 and the next, with a Russian cryogenic engine, on December 25. The last GSLV launch on August 19, 2013 was called off minutes before the take-off due to leakage of liquid fuel from the rocket’s second stage, wetting the first stage and the four strap-on boosters around it. The Rs 356 crore launch mission has twin purpose - to flight test the cryogenic engine designed, built by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and to put in orbit communication satellite GSAT-14. A cryogenic engine is more efficient as it provides more thrust for every kilogram of propellant burnt. Cryogenic fuels are extremely clean as they give out only water while burning. A successful GSLV-D5 flight will make India the sixth nation to possess this cutting edge technology, joining the United States, Russia, France, Japan and China in an elite club.
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