First Space Centre of India
VerifiedAnswer: Vikram Sarabhai
Explanation:
The first space centre of India is the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This important facility was established in 1963 and was initially known as the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS). It was later renamed in honor of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who is widely regarded as the father of India's space program.
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai chose Thumba as the location for India's first rocket launching station because of its unique geographical advantage. The site is located very close to the magnetic equator, making it ideal for conducting space research and launching satellites. The equatorial location provides better conditions for studying the upper atmosphere and ionosphere.
The establishment of VSSC marked the beginning of India's journey into space exploration. On November 21, 1963, India launched its first rocket from this facility. It was a small Nike-Apache rocket that carried scientific instruments to study the upper atmosphere. This historic launch laid the foundation for what would eventually become India's successful space program under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Today, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre serves as the lead centre for launch vehicle development in India. It is responsible for the design and development of satellite launch vehicles, including the famous Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). The centre has played a crucial role in making India a major player in the global space industry.
The centre houses various specialized facilities including rocket assembly buildings, solid propellant processing facilities, static test facilities, and launch pads. It has been instrumental in developing indigenous technology for space launches, reducing India's dependence on foreign countries for satellite launches and making space missions more cost-effective.
The success of VSSC has contributed significantly to India's achievements in space, including the successful Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), the Chandrayaan lunar missions, and numerous satellite launches that have benefited various sectors like communication, weather forecasting, and navigation. The centre continues to be at the forefront of India's space endeavors, working on advanced projects and future missions that will further establish India's position in space exploration.
