[Satellite TODAY 12-21-10] The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) postponed the Dec. 19 launch of GSAT-5P satellite aboard its Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F06) after a leak was discovered in a valve located on the rocket’s Russian-built cryogenic stage during pre-countdown checks, ISRO announced Dec. 19.
    ISRO officials released a statement claiming that the leak would not have been fatal to the mission, despite not knowing what caused it. The agency said it would conduct experiments early this week to ascertain the cause of the leak.
    A new launch date has not been set, but ISRO said it could schedule liftoff for Dec. 23 if the rocket passes inspection and is cleared by India’s Launch Authorization Board.
   GSAT-5P will replace the InSAT 2E satellite to ensure continuity of the region’s telecom and television services.