Indian satellite GSAT-10 launch put off after rocket snag

Arianespace was scheduled to launch GSAT-10 along with ASTRA 2F spacecraft, built by the Astrium division of EADS for Luxembourg-based SES, in the early hours of September 22.

But on September 15, Arianespace found a "small snag" ("small damage") (leakage) on the upper side of the Ariane rocket and the commercial launch services provider is now checking if one gram of dust particles that was not accounted for, has stuck to critical moving parts.

"One gram of dust particles could have probably gone inside (the rocket). So, the idea is to find out whether it's sticking to a critical moving part", Radhakrishnan told reporters here.

Since GSAT-10 is placed in "bottom enclosure" of the rocket, "we are in a safer situation", added Radhakrishnan, also Department of Space Secretary and Space Commission Chairman.

Arianespace is expected to announce the new launch date on Wednesday evening. If everything is all right, the earliest possible launch would be on September 29. Otherwise, it will take a few more days, he said.

GSAT-10 is a Rs 750 crore mission for Indian Space Research Organisation, including satellite, launch services and insurance, officials said.