The defence minister has indicated that there was no US pressure on the programme’s progress or the launch, though today’s test, coming as it does when the civilian nuclear deal is not through yet, appears to send out a firm message that the country’s indigenous weapons programme is independent.

INSAT-4C to be launched today

CHENNAI: India's latest communication satellite INSAT-4C will be launched by a GSLV from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, about 80 km from here on Monday, ISRO sources said.

“Everything is proceeding according to plan, including loading of solid propellants and hypergolic liquid propellant. All systems are being checked and the launch will be at 16.30 hrs on Monday,” the sources said. The 2,168-kg INSAT-4C satellite is the heaviest in its class. INSAT-4C, the second satellite in the INSAT 4 series, will give a boost to DTH services, video picture transmission and digital satellite news gathering. — PTI