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First GSLV test flight likely in March

The first developmental test flight of India's prestigious Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle will lift off towards the end of March from Sriharikota, "subject to a variety of factors," Indian Space Research Organisation sources said Saturday.

The precise date for the GSLV's first flight, which will launch an experimental GSAT-1 satellite, would be known only by March third week, the sources told PTI.

"A variety of factors make it difficult to fix a particular day, weeks in advance," they said.

Unlike remote sensing satellite launches which can be launched when the launch is ready, geo-synchronous satellites' launch dates are linked to many factors, they said.

The nature of geo-synchronous satellites, which are intended to be stationary with relation to the earth, brings more complicated factors into play like accurately positioning it in a pre-determined location 36,000 km in space with the intended angle to the equator, according to the sources.

"This requires many sub-factors including weather and wind sequences, the equator-related elements for precise slotting in space and noting when the solar panels can be maximally powered, to be taken into account."

The attention given to these factors has gained significance, given the fact that the test flight (designated GSLV D-1) is first of ISRO's many intended flights for the future, the sources said.

"We do not want to take chances with the first GSLV launch," they said, adding this had led to a time window of one week towards the end of March being slotted for the launch.

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