In News: Third Launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre: Why Sriharikota Remains India’s Choice for Space Missions
Background:
The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a third launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, to support future launches using the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). SDSC is India’s only operational spaceport for satellite and spacecraft launches and became functional on October 9, 1971, initially named SHAR (Sriharikota Range). In September 2002, it was renamed to Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR in honour of the eminent Indian space scientist, Satish Dhawan.The selection of Sriharikota as the launch site dates back to the 1960s under the leadership of Vikram Sarabhai, India’s space programme founder. Survey and acquisition of around 40,000 acres were facilitated by EV Chitnis and Abid Hussain, ensuring rapid mobilization for the space programme.
Key Features:
- Geographical Advantage: Located on the east coast, allowing rockets to launch eastwards over the Bay of Bengal, leveraging Earth’s rotation for additional velocity (~450 m/s), enhancing payload capacity.
- Equatorial Proximity: Facilitates efficient placement of geostationary satellites, as launch near the equator maximizes rotational velocity benefits.
- Safety Considerations: Largely uninhabited area, with launch trajectories over the sea, ensuring safe disposal of spent rocket stages.
- Historical Significance: SDSC has hosted numerous successful launches, including Rohini-125 (1971) and multiple PSLV missions, positioning India among space-faring nations.
- Infrastructure Development: The third launchpad is designed to support heavier launch vehicles like the NGLV, future-proofing India’s launch capabilities.
Key Issues:
- Technical Challenges: Construction and operationalization of the third launchpad for heavier rockets require advanced engineering, testing, and quality assurance.
- Environmental Concerns: Expansion on the island must consider coastal ecology, biodiversity, and potential displacement of local communities.
- Policy and Regulatory Oversight: Effective coordination between ISRO, state authorities, and environmental agencies is critical to ensure compliance with legal and safety norms.
Implications:
- Strengthens India’s space launch capacity and strategic capability in satellite deployment.
- Supports next-generation heavier rockets, enabling ambitious missions, including interplanetary exploration.
- Positions SDSC as a globally competitive spaceport, attracting international collaboration opportunities.
Applications:
- Launch of communication, remote sensing, and geostationary satellites.
- Deployment of next-generation research and interplanetary spacecraft.
- Provides infrastructure for private sector and commercial space ventures under India’s space policy.
Way Forward:
- Completion of the third launchpad to meet future heavy-lift launch requirements.
- Continuous environmental monitoring and safety assessments.
- Leveraging the site for international collaboration and commercial launches.
Institution: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)
- Established: 9 October 1971 (as SHAR)
- Headquarters: Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
- Function: Launching and supporting Indian satellites, spacecraft, and research missions.
Updated - 17 January 2025; 02:52 PM | News Source: The Indian Express