Chennai: Pre-launch operations for the launch of GSLV-D2, the second developmental flight of India's prestigious Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) scheduled for 4.58 pm (IST) on May 8, are in full swing at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota about 100 kms from Chennai.

"Final countdown is scheduled to start around 2.00 am (IST) on May 7, T minus 36 hours of the scheduled lift off," an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) spokesman said.

Pre-launch operations include threadbare checking and rechecking of the various systems of the launch vehicle and GSAT-2, the 1,800 kg technology experimental satellite to be injected into a geosynchronous transfer orbit 999 seconds after lift off.

Fuelling of the three stage GSLV-D2 is scheduled to commence "at between T minus seven to T minus four hours of the launch".

"A full dress rehearsal of the launch was successfully conducted on May 4 with the entire ISRO team participating," the spokesman said, adding the launch window will be open from 4.58 pm (IST) to 7.30 pm (IST) on May 8 and could be extended till May 10 in case of any contingencies.

PTI