Indian Space Research Organisation’s heaviest and upgraded rocket -Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV – Mark III) will lift off from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota on December 18.

On Monday, a high level meeting was held and all activities done so far were cleared.

“The launch will happen on December 18. Anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. We will announce the exact time closer to the launch,” S. Somanath, project director, GSLV Mark III, said.

The 630-tonne rocket is in the final phase now. “All checks are complete and the access doors are closed. A rain health check is being done,” said Mr. Somanath. The vehicle will be moved to the launch pad on December 10. “Once it moves to the launch pad it will be inter-connected to the ground systems. The propellant filling will be connected,” he added.

GSLV Mark III is an experimental launch and only for study purpose. It will not put any satellite in orbit.