February 28, 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 27, 2024, inaugurated three significant space infrastructure projects by ISRO during his visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram. Among the projects unveiled by PM Modi were a trisonic wind tunnel at VSSC, a semi-cryogenic Integrated engine and stage test facility at ISRO’s propulsion complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, and the PSLV integration facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. These projects, developed at a total cost of about Rs 1,800 crore, signify notable advancements in India’s space exploration capabilities.
VSSC, as the primary centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation, oversees the design and development of launch vehicle technology. The Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC facilitates controlled uniform airflow over scaled models of rockets and aircraft to assess their aerodynamic characteristics and designs. With a test section size of 1.2 metre, it can achieve speeds ranging from subsonic to supersonic, up to four times the speed of sound (Mach number 4.0).
The Mahendragiri unit represents a state-of-the-art facility capable of managing large flows of propellants. Standing 51 metre tall with a flame deflector depth of 30 metre, it is equipped for advanced testing. The PSLV Integration Facilities at Sriharikota were established to enhance launch frequency from the First Launch Pad (FLP) and encompass integration building, service building, rail track and associated systems.
In addition to inaugurating these facilities, PM Modi reviewed the progress of the Gaganyaan Mission and announced the names of the four astronauts undergoing training for India’s maiden human space flight mission: Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Angad Prathap, Ajit Krishnan, and Shubhanshu Shukla. He conferred ‘astronaut wings’ upon them. The Gaganyaan Mission marks India’s first human space flight program, for which extensive preparations are underway at various ISRO centres.
Furthermore, PM Modi pledged that India would establish its own space station by 2035, dedicated to studying the “unknown expanses of space.” Joined by ISRO chief S Somanath, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, and MoS Muraleedharan, Prime Minister Modi visited the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
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