And finally the date is out

            It is exactly T-24 hours left for the lift off of the 50th anniv of Yuri Gagarin's flight, and we had an announcement of another lift off next week.

           Amidst the excitement of the 50th anniv celebrations, came the announcement on Sunday about the much-delayed launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) with three satellites. They are the indigenous Resourcesat-2, YouthSat and X-Sat from Singapore.

           The launch is slated for Wednesday April 20 at 10.12 a.m.at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota

           This flight is being viewed with considerable interest for two main reasons. First, the question is will it signify the ``resurrection''----if this word can be used---of Isro whose image has taken a severe beating following the two failures of the Geo Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and more importantly the controvery relating to the Antrix-Devas deal?

           Second, it is carrying a satellite which is the brain child of APJ Abdul Kalam.

           Considering this challenging scenario, one can definately conclude that chairman of Isro, K.Radhakrishnan, right now is certainly not occupying a very enviable position!  It is certainly a very nail-biting moment for him because, by chance, if anything happens to this flight what will happen to his career trajectory?  One can also say at the same time that the PSLV is not known to have let down anyone except during the very first launch.

           The original plan envisaged the launch taking place nearly two-and-a-half months ago. But, Isro exercised considerable caution keeping in view the GSLV failures and decided to carry out more extensive tests before clearing the mission for lift off. Also problems cropped in the second stage of the rocket.

           Now the mighty rocket is standing at the launch pad in Sriharikota with the three satellites atop all set to blast off on the morning off April 20. The launch authorisation board will review the readiness of the mission and will give the final `go' on April 16. After the green signal is given the last phase of the countdown will kick off during the early hours of April 18.

          Good Luck and God Speed.