Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) is the lead center of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) responsible for the design and development of launch vehicle technology. It is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. VSSC was established in 1962 under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program.
Launch vehicles
VSSC has developed and launched a variety of launch vehicles, including:
- Sounding rockets: These rockets are used to carry scientific instruments into the upper atmosphere for research purposes. VSSC has developed and launched a number of sounding rockets, including the Rohini sounding rocket and the Rohini-300 sounding rocket.
- Satellite launch vehicles: These vehicles are used to launch satellites into orbit. VSSC has developed and launched a number of satellite launch vehicles, including the SLV-3, the ASLV, the PSLV, and the GSLV.
- Human spaceflight launch vehicles: VSSC is currently developing the Gaganyaan human spaceflight launch vehicle.
Satellites
VSSC has also developed and launched a number of satellites, including:
- Communication satellites: These satellites are used to provide telecommunications services such as television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, and internet access. VSSC has developed and launched a number of communication satellites, including the INSAT series of satellites.
- Earth observation satellites: These satellites are used to observe the Earth from space. VSSC has developed and launched a number of Earth observation satellites, including the IRS series of satellites.
- Navigation satellites: These satellites are used to provide navigation services such as GPS. VSSC has developed and launched the NavIC navigation satellite system.
Facilities
VSSC has a number of facilities for the design, development, testing, and launch of launch vehicles and satellites. These facilities include:
- Vehicle Assembly Building: This facility is used to assemble launch vehicles.
- Launch pads: VSSC has two launch pads, the SHAR Launch Pad and the First Launch Pad.
- Satellite Testing Facility: This facility is used to test satellites before they are launched.
- Spacecraft Control Centre: This facility is used to control satellites in orbit.
Achievements
VSSC has achieved a number of milestones in the Indian space program. These milestones include:
- The launch of the first Indian satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975.
- The launch of the first Indian launch vehicle, the SLV-3, in 1979.
- The launch of the first Indian geostationary satellite, INSAT-1A, in 1982.
- The launch of the first Indian remote sensing satellite, IRS-1A, in 1988.
- The launch of the first Indian navigation satellite, NavIC-1, in 2013.
Conclusion
VSSC is a leading center for the development of launch vehicle and satellite technology. It has played a critical role in the Indian space program and has achieved a number of significant milestones. VSSC is continuing to develop new launch vehicles and satellites, and is also working on the development of human spaceflight capabilities
