THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On Wednesday began an awaited five-day sabbatical for ISRO units in the city courtesy the election, a national holiday, a festival and the weekend, but space scientists here nonetheless are keeping their fingers crossed for the PSLV C-16 launch planned for next week.

The PSLV C-16 mission is slated for an April 20 lift-off, but only if the Launch Authorisation Board (LAB) gi