The Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation Mr.Radhakrishnan has said that all arrangements are in place for the launch of India’s first Mars orbiter. Speaking to newsmen in Chennai today, Mr.Radhakrishnan said that the date would be finalised soon after a high level meeting today or tomorrow. The Mars orbiter will take around 300 days to reach the targetted mission after the scheduled launch.

To another query on the postponed mission of GSLV-D5, he said that preparations are underway to launch the satellite this December.

The scheduled launch featuring an indigenous cryogenic engine had to be called off due to a leak detected in the fuel system of the rocket’s liquid second stage on August 19.