Satish Dhawan Space Center

Source: IE

Context: The Union Cabinet recently approved the establishment of a third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh

About Satish Dhawan Space Center Launchpad:

• Established in:

• The Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) became operational on October 9, 1971, with the launch of the sounding rocket ‘Rohini-125.’ It was initially known as the Sriharikota Range (SHAR).

• The Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) became operational on October 9, 1971, with the launch of the sounding rocket ‘Rohini-125.’

• It was initially known as the Sriharikota Range (SHAR).

• Located in: Sriharikota is a barrier island off the Bay of Bengal, located in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It separates Pulicat Lake from the Bay of Bengal, ensuring a safe flight path over the sea for rocket launches.

• Sriharikota is a barrier island off the Bay of Bengal, located in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India.

• It separates Pulicat Lake from the Bay of Bengal, ensuring a safe flight path over the sea for rocket launches.

• Reasons for Location Selection

• East Coast Advantage: Launching rockets eastwards takes advantage of Earth’s rotation, adding velocity to the rocket and increasing payload capacity. Proximity to the Equator: Geostationary satellites require an equatorial plane. Being near the equator makes Sriharikota ideal for such launches. Largely Uninhabited Area: The site was sparsely populated, minimizing risks to human settlements during launches. Coastal Location: Proximity to the sea ensures rocket debris impacts occur over water, reducing constraints.

• East Coast Advantage: Launching rockets eastwards takes advantage of Earth’s rotation, adding velocity to the rocket and increasing payload capacity.

• Proximity to the Equator: Geostationary satellites require an equatorial plane. Being near the equator makes Sriharikota ideal for such launches.

• Largely Uninhabited Area: The site was sparsely populated, minimizing risks to human settlements during launches.

• Coastal Location: Proximity to the sea ensures rocket debris impacts occur over water, reducing constraints.

• Renamed in:

• In 2002, the facility was renamed Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in honor of Satish Dhawan, a pioneering rocket scientist and former ISRO chairman.

• Historical Significance:

• Spearheaded by Vikram Sarabhai, the location was identified in 1968, with support from Abid Hussain and extensive surveys. Approximately 40,000 acres were acquired by October 1968 for the establishment of the site. SDSC has been pivotal in hosting key missions, including the PSLV, GSLV, Chandrayaan, and Mangalyaan.

• Spearheaded by Vikram Sarabhai, the location was identified in 1968, with support from Abid Hussain and extensive surveys.

• Approximately 40,000 acres were acquired by October 1968 for the establishment of the site.

• SDSC has been pivotal in hosting key missions, including the PSLV, GSLV, Chandrayaan, and Mangalyaan.

Insta links:

• Third-launch-pad