September 19, 2004

Preparations for the launch of EDUSAT by India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F01) are proceeding smoothly at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota about 80 km North of Chennai. The launch rehearsal for this 'first operational flight' of GSLV was carried out on Thursday, September 16, 2004 and the final count down began early this morning at 1:00 am (IST) (September 19, 2004).

The launch is scheduled at 4:01 pm (IST) on Monday, September 20, 2004.

EDUSAT, GSAT-F01 Glimpse [jpg files]
 
• View 3 of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle prior to launch
   
• View 2 of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle prior to launch
   
• View 1 of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle prior to launch
   
• Integrated GSLV inside the Mobile Service Tower at SDSC SHAR Sriharikota
   
• Liquid Propellant Strap-on motors of GSLV under final preparations
   
• Transportation of Liquid Propellant Strap on motor to Mobile Service Tower
   
• Base shroud and the first segment of the core solid propellant stage being mounted on to the Mobile Service Tower
   
• Liquid Propulsion Second Stage being hoisted for mounting on the first stage
   
• Cryogenic stage being lowered on top of the second stage
   
• EDUSAT encapsulated in the heat-shield being mounted on top of the equipment bay
   
• EDUSAT under testing at SDSC SHAR
   
• EDUSAT solar panel deployment test