Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched three key ISRO space infrastructure projects on Tuesday (27th February) during a visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) at Thumba, near here. During his visit, the Prime Minister examined ISRO’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
Modi was accompanied by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan on a tour of the exhibition of several ISRO projects on display at VSSC.
ISRO’s three facilities
Modi launched three projects: a Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC, a Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility at ISRO’s propulsion facility in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, and the PSLV Integration Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
These three projects, which will provide world-class technological facilities for the space sector, have a total cost of around Rs 1,800 crore.
VSSC, the Indian Space Research Organisation’s flagship facility, is in charge of designing and developing launch vehicle technologies.
The PSLV integration facility seeks to increase the number of PSLV launches from six to fifteen per year. It is also intended to allow launches of mini-PSLVs, tiny satellite launch vehicles, and other small launch vehicles produced by commercial space businesses, as stated by the PMO.
In the meantime, the new Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility at IPRC Mahendragiri will allow for the development of semi-cryogenic engines and stages, increasing the payload capabilities of existing launch vehicles. The facility is outfitted with liquid oxygen and kerosene supply systems for testing engines up to 200 tons of thrust.
The Trisonic Wind Tunnel
The Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC generates controlled uniform airflow over scaled rocket and aircraft models to study their aerodynamic properties and designs. It has a 1.2-meter test section and can create speeds ranging from subsonic to supersonic, up to four times the speed of sound (Mach 4.0).
The Mahendragiri plant is a cutting-edge facility capable of handling massive volumes of propellant. It is 51 metres tall and has a flame deflector depth of 30 metres.
The PSLV Integration Facilities at Sriharikota were designed to enhance launch frequency from the First Launch Pad (FLP), and they comprise an Integration Building, a Service Building, a Rail Track, and related equipment.
The inauguration of these facilities represents considerable progress in India’s space exploration capability.
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