Article Posted on : - Jan 05, 2010

ISRO had successfully conducted the test of indigenously-built Cryogenic Stage in November, 2007.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (PTI): The indigenously built highly sophisticated cryogenic engine is undergoing a final review by Indian space agency ISRO before it is cleared for use in the test launch of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-D3 later this year.

“We are conducting a final thorough review of the cryogenic engine that will power the GSLV,” Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman K Radhakrishnan told PTI on the sidelines of the 97th Indian Science Congress here.

He said a meeting of top scientists involved in the project would be held in Bangalore later this month where the launch date of the GSLV-D3 would also be decided.

Reports had it that ISRO had delayed the launch of GSLV-D3, which would put into orbit the GSAT-4 communications satellite.

“We want to be sure that the cryogenic engine performs as it is designed to. A slight mistake could put the mission in jeopardy,” Radhakrishnan said.

If successful, India would be only the sixth country to test the cryogenic engine.

Currently, US, Russia, China, France and Japan have built such engines.

India has been using cryogenic engines sourced from Russia for its earlier satellite launches.

ISRO had taken up development of cryogenic stage in 1996 to achieve self-reliance in the technology.