Satish Dhawan Space Centre
The Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), named after the former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is India's primary spaceport. It is located in Sriharikota, a barrier island in the Bay of Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, India. Here are some key details about the SDSC:
History
- The SDSC was established in 1971 and was initially known as the Sriharikota Range (SHAR).
- It was renamed to Satish Dhawan Space Centre in 2002 to honor Satish Dhawan, who played a pivotal role in the development of India's space program.
Facilities
- Launch Pads: The centre houses two operational launch pads, the First Launch Pad (FLP) and the Second Launch Pad (SLP). These are used for launching various types of rockets including Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
- Assembly and Integration Facilities: These include the Vehicle Assembly Building, where satellites and launch vehicles are integrated.
- Tracking and Telemetry: SDSC has advanced tracking, telemetry, and command systems to monitor launches and satellite operations.
- Spaceport Infrastructure: It includes a solid propellant plant, a liquid propulsion system, and a mobile service tower for rocket assembly.
Major Launches
- Chandrayaan-1 (2008): India's first lunar probe.
- Mangalyaan (2013): India's Mars Orbiter Mission, making India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit.
- GSAT series satellites: Numerous communication and weather satellites.
- AstroSat: India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory.
Significance
- The SDSC has been instrumental in establishing India's capability for indigenous satellite launches, reducing dependence on foreign launch services.
- It supports both national and international space missions, thereby promoting India's space technology on the global stage.
Future Developments
- Plans are in place to enhance the infrastructure to support more frequent launches, including commercial launches.
- Development of a third launch pad to handle heavier payloads and more advanced rockets.
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