ISRO gears up for first launch this year

With 32 successive successful missions,  the PSLV-C31, in its 33rd flight, will launch IRNSS-1E, the fifth satellite of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) from the Second Launch Pad at 09:31 hrs next Wednesday.    ISRO sources on Wednesday said that the preparations for the launch were on at the SHAR Range in Sriharikota, about 80 km from here. 

Works were also on to integrate the satellite with the launch vehicle. “By the end of this week, the satellite will be integrated with the vehicle. The Launch Authorisation Board (LAB) will meet on Sunday launch to clear the mission. Once the LAB gives the nod, the countdown for the launch will commence. The countdown is expected to start on January 18’’, the sources added.