NEW DELHI — India’s space agency has approved a Jan. 5 launch attempt for the GSAT-14 communications satellite aboard a Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-D5). The indigenous, cryogenic engine-fitted GSLV-D5 will launch from the Sriharikota spaceport in India’s southern state of Andhra Pradesh. “A 29-hour countdown for the launch is set to commence around 11 a.m. local time on Jan. 4,” an Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientist says.

NEW DELHI — India’s Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), capable of assisting in maritime security and deep-sea operations, is readying for more sea trials. The AUV will be capable of a variety of missions including surveillance, sensor deployment and mine countermeasures, as well as ammunition delivery. It operates via a mother ship from which it is launched, controlled and recovered.

NEW DELHI — India on Jan. 1 canceled its $770 million contract with AgustaWestland for the purchase of 12 AW101 helicopters, following a bribery scandal. “The government of India has terminated the contract on grounds of breach of the pre-contract integrity pact and the agreement by AgustaWestland,” a defense ministry spokesman says. The order to cancel the contract was signed by Defense Minister A.K. Antony, who earlier in the day met with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.