ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has always been at the forefront of India’s space program, making significant strides in the field of space exploration and technology. In its latest endeavor, ISRO is developing two new launchpads in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to support its growing space program. These launchpads will play a crucial role in the upcoming missions, including Chandrayaan-4 and the collaboration with NASA on the NISAR satellite.
The first launchpad, located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, is expected to be operational by the end of 2020. This launchpad will primarily support the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk III. The second launchpad, located in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, is expected to be operational by 2021 and will support the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the GSLV Mk II.
The need for these new launchpads arises from the increasing demand for satellite launches, both from India and other countries. ISRO has been consistently expanding its satellite launch capabilities, and in the past decade, it has launched 433 satellites for 34 nations, making it a reliable and cost-effective option for satellite launches. With the addition of these new launchpads, ISRO aims to further enhance its launch capabilities and cater to the growing demand for satellite launches.
One of the most ambitious missions planned by ISRO is Chandrayaan-4, which is expected to be launched in 2028. This mission will involve a lunar sample return, where samples from the moon’s surface will be collected and brought back to Earth for further analysis. This mission will not only be a significant milestone for ISRO but also for India as it will be the first time the country will attempt a lunar sample return.
The success of the Chandrayaan-2 mission, which recently made India the fourth country to land on the moon, has further motivated ISRO to push the boundaries and take on more challenging missions. The organization has already started working on the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which is expected to be launched in 2022 and will focus on the moon’s south pole.
Apart from lunar missions, ISRO is also collaborating with NASA on the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite. This satellite will be used for environmental monitoring, including tracking changes in the Earth’s surface, ice sheets, and glaciers. The collaboration between ISRO and NASA is a testament to the organization’s growing global recognition and its capabilities in the field of space technology.
ISRO’s achievements in the past decade have not only put India on the map as a major player in the space sector but have also brought significant advancements in the country’s technological capabilities. The organization has been continuously working towards developing indigenous technologies and reducing its dependence on foreign countries for space missions.
The development of these new launchpads is a significant step towards achieving this goal. It will not only boost the country’s space program but also create job opportunities and contribute to the overall economic growth of the region. The launchpads will also be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, making them one of the most advanced launch sites in the world.
ISRO’s success in the space sector can be attributed to its dedicated team of scientists and engineers who have continuously strived to push the boundaries and achieve new heights. The organization’s cost-effective approach and innovative solutions have made it a role model for other countries, especially developing nations, in the field of space technology.
In conclusion, ISRO’s decision to develop two new launchpads in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu is a significant milestone in India’s space program. With Chandrayaan-4 and the collaboration with NASA on the NISAR satellite, ISRO is all set to embark on new and challenging missions, further cementing its position as a global leader in the space sector. The organization’s achievements in the past decade have been commendable, and with the development of these new launchpads, the future looks even more promising.
