Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC)

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Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC)

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, is the lead centre of ISRO responsible for the design and development of launch vehicle technology. The Centre pursues active research and development in the fields of aeronautics, avionics, materials, mechanisms, vehicle integration, chemicals, propulsion, space ordnance, structures, space physics and  systems reliability. The Centre undertakes crucial   responsibilities of  design,  manufacturing,  analysis,  development  and  testing  related  to  the realisation of subsystems for the different missions. These are sustained by activities towards programme. Planning  and evaluation, technology transfer, Industry coordination, human Resources development  and safety. Planning, execution and maintenance of all civil works related to the Centre is also carries out. The Centre depends on administrative and auxiliary Services for support.  VSSC has  extension Centres at  Valiamala housing  major  facilities of  mechanisms, vehicle  integration and testing and at Vattiyoorkavu for the development of composites.

The Ammonium Perchlorate Experimental Plant (APEP) has been set up by VSSC at Aluva near Kochi.  The  major  programmes  at  VSSC  include  Polar  Satellite  Launch  Vehicle  (PSLV),  Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and Rohini Sounding Rockets as well as the development of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk Ill, Reusable Launch Vehicles, advanced technology vehicles, air-breathing propulsion and critical technologies towards human spaceflight.

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Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) is the first and largest of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) four major spaceports. It is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The center was founded in 1962 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program.

VSSC is responsible for the development and launch of India’s launch vehicles and satellites. The center has also played a key role in the development of India’s human spaceflight program.

History

VSSC was founded in 1962 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program. The center was initially established as the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS). The first rocket was launched from TERLS in 1963.

In 1972, VSSC was renamed Vikram Sarabhai Space Center in honor of Dr. Sarabhai. The center has since grown to become one of the largest and most advanced space centers in the world.

Facilities

VSSC has a number of facilities for the development and launch of satellites and launch vehicles. These facilities include:

  • The Launching Complex (LC-1): This is the launch pad for India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) launch vehicles.
  • The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC): This is the center for the development of liquid rocket engines.
  • The Solid Propulsion Systems Centre (SPSC): This is the center for the development of solid rocket motors.
  • The Spacecraft Systems Centre (SSC): This is the center for the development of satellites.
  • The Instrumentation Systems Centre (ISC): This is the center for the development of telemetry, tracking, and command systems.
  • The Control Centre: This is the center for the control of launch vehicles and satellites.

Launch vehicles

VSSC has developed a number of launch vehicles, including:

  • The SLV: This was India’s first satellite launch vehicle. It was launched in 1979.
  • The ASLV: This was a two-stage launch vehicle. It was launched in 1987 and 1994.
  • The PSLV: This is a four-stage launch vehicle. It has been used to launch a number of satellites, including the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM).
  • The GSLV: This is a three-stage launch vehicle. It has been used to launch a number of satellites, including the GSAT-6 satellite.
  • The GSLV Mk III: This is a four-stage launch vehicle. It is the most powerful launch vehicle developed by India. It has been used to launch the Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission.

Satellites

VSSC has developed a number of satellites, including:

  • Aryabhata: This was India’s first satellite. It was launched in 1975.
  • Bhaskara: This was a series of two satellites. They were launched in 1979 and 1981.
  • INSAT: This is a series of satellites for meteorological and Communication purposes. The first INSAT satellite was launched in 1982.
  • IRS: This is a series of satellites for remote sensing purposes. The first IRS satellite was launched in 1988.
  • Kalpana-1: This was a remote sensing satellite. It was launched in 1999.
  • Mangalyaan: This is a Mars orbiter. It was launched in 2013.
  • Chandrayaan-2: This is a lunar orbiter, lander, and rover. It was launched in 2019.

Human spaceflight

VSSC is playing a key role in the development of India’s human spaceflight program. The center is responsible for the development of the Gaganyaan spacecraft, which is scheduled to be launched in 2022.

Education and training

VSSC offers a number of educational and training programs. These programs are designed to train engineers and scientists in the field of space science and technology.

Outreach

VSSC has a number of outreach programs. These programs are designed to promote public awareness of space science and technology.

International cooperation

VSSC has a number of international cooperation agreements. These agreements are designed to promote cooperation in the field of space science and technology.

Future plans

VSSC has a number of future plans. These plans include the development of new launch vehicles, satellites, and human spaceflight systems.

What is the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)?

ISRO is the Indian government’s civilian space agency. It was founded in 1969 with the goal of developing Space Technology for peaceful purposes. ISRO has successfully launched several satellites and spacecraft, including the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), which became the first Indian spacecraft to reach Mars.

What are some of ISRO’s achievements?

ISRO has made significant achievements in the field of space technology. Some of its most notable achievements include:

  • The launch of the first Indian satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975.
  • The launch of the first Indian remote sensing satellite, IRS-1A, in 1988.
  • The launch of the first Indian geostationary satellite, INSAT-1A, in 1983.
  • The launch of the first Indian human spaceflight, Gaganyaan, in 2023.

What are some of ISRO’s challenges?

ISRO faces a number of challenges, including:

  • The high cost of space technology.
  • The lack of skilled personnel.
  • The competition from other space agencies.
  • The political instability in India.

What is the future of ISRO?

ISRO is planning to undertake a number of ambitious projects in the future, including:

  • The launch of a human mission to the Moon.
  • The development of a reusable launch vehicle.
  • The establishment of a space station.

ISRO is also working on a number of projects to improve the lives of people in India, such as:

  • The development of a satellite-based navigation system.
  • The development of a satellite-based telemedicine system.
  • The development of a satellite-based weather forecasting system.

ISRO is a world-renowned space agency that has made significant contributions to the field of space technology. It is expected to continue to make significant achievements in the future.

Question 1

Which of the following is not a launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)?

(A) PSLV
(B) GSLV
(C) ASLV
(D) VSSC

Answer
(D) VSSC is a launch centre, not a launch vehicle.

Question 2

Which of the following is not a satellite developed by ISRO?

(A) INSAT
(B) IRS
(C) GSAT
(D) VSSC

Answer
(D) VSSC is a launch centre, not a satellite.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a mission of ISRO?

(A) Chandrayaan-1
(B) Mangalyaan
(C) Gaganyaan
(D) VSSC

Answer
(D) VSSC is a launch centre, not a mission.

Question 4

Which of the following is not a goal of ISRO?

(A) To develop and launch satellites
(B) To develop and launch launch vehicles
(C) To explore the Moon and Mars
(D) To build a space station

Answer
(D) ISRO does not have a goal of building a space station.

Question 5

Which of the following is not a success of ISRO?

(A) Successfully launching 100 satellites in a single mission
(B) Becoming the first country to orbit the Moon with a homegrown satellite
(C) Becoming the first country to soft-land a spacecraft on Mars
(D) Building the world’s largest rocket engine

Answer
(D) ISRO has not built the world’s largest rocket engine.