The country's first test flight of the geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle, the GSLV-D1, failed to take off on March 28, resulting in a major blow to India's nascent space program. Saved by safety system This week's planned relaunch was made possible because the vehicle's on-board safety system immediately shut down the first mission when one of the four engines did not develop the required thrust. The abortive flight both baffled and distressed India's Space Research Organization, a group that though poised to deploy communication satellites on its own, has yet to do so. Up to now, India has been depending on foreign countries for launching its communication satellites.
Geostationary satellites move in an east-west orbit.
With the launch of the GSLV satellite, India hopes to join the United States, the European Space Agency, Japan, Russia and China as a member of an elite satellite launch club. An AOL Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .