[Satellite TODAY 12-23-10] The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will orbit the GSAT-5P satellite on its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F06) Dec. 25 after the rocket engine’s valve was tested and cleared for launch, the agency announced Dec. 22.
    The mission was delayed after a leak was discovered in a valve located on the rocket’s Russian-built cryogenic stage during pre-countdown checks Dec. 19. ISRO worked with Russian scientists at the Sriharikota launch facility to drain the liquid oxygen from the valve and reconfigure the rocket’s ground systems for testing. Russia has supplied ISRO with seven cryogenic engines. Five were used in earlier GSLV launches.
    GSAT-5P will replace the InSat-2E satellite to ensure continuity of the region’s telecom and television services.