# Satish Dhawan Space Centre

> Indian space launch site in Andhra Pradesh

**Wikidata**: [Q640273](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q640273)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satish_Dhawan_Space_Centre)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/satish-dhawan-space-centre

## Summary
The Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) is India's primary space launch facility, located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Established in 1971 and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), it serves as both a spaceport and a research institute, hosting key missions like the Chandrayaan lunar program and the Mars Orbiter Mission. Originally named Sriharikota Range (SHAR), it was renamed in 2002 to honor Indian aerospace engineer Satish Dhawan.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: October 1, 1971
- **Location**: Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India (coordinates: 13.7172° N, 80.2222° E)
- **Operator**: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- **Primary Functions**: Spacecraft launch, satellite testing, and space research
- **Notable Launches**: Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission, GSLV and PSLV rockets
- **Alternate Names**: SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota Range
- **Native Name**: సతీష్ ధావన్ స్పేస్ సెంటర్ (Telugu)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Satish Dhawan Space Centre used for?
A: It is India's main space launch facility, conducting satellite launches, spacecraft testing, and housing critical infrastructure for ISRO's missions, including lunar and planetary exploration.

### Q: Why is it named after Satish Dhawan?
A: The centre was renamed in 2002 to honour Satish Dhawan, a pioneering Indian aerospace engineer and former ISRO chairman who played a pivotal role in establishing India's space programme.

### Q: What are its most notable achievements?
A: It has facilitated historic missions such as the Chandrayaan-1 lunar orbiter (2008), the Mars Orbiter Mission (2013), and numerous satellite launches using PSLV and GSLV rockets, solidifying India's position in global space exploration.

## Why It Matters
The Satish Dhawan Space Centre is the cornerstone of India's space programme, enabling the nation to achieve self-reliance in space technology and exploration. As one of the world's leading spaceports, it supports a wide range of missions, from communication satellites to interplanetary probes, driving advancements in science, technology, and national security. Its infrastructure, including launch pads and testing facilities, has been instrumental in cost-effective satellite launches, earning India recognition as a global leader in affordable space technology. The centre also fosters international collaboration, hosting launches for foreign satellites and contributing to global scientific research.

## Notable For
- **First Indian Spaceport**: India's primary launch site since the 1970s, critical to the country's space ambitions.
- **Historic Missions**: Launched Chandrayaan-1 (India's first lunar mission) and the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan).
- **Dual Role**: Functions as both a launch facility and a research hub, supporting ISRO's end-to-end space technology development.
- **Cost-Effective Launches**: Known for affordable satellite launch services using PSLV rockets, attracting global clients.

## Body
### History
- **Establishment**: Inaugurated in 1971 as Sriharikota Range (SHAR), renamed in 2002 after Satish Dhawan.
- **Early Milestones**: First satellite launch in 1975 (Aryabhata), first PSLV launch in 1993.

### Infrastructure
- **Launch Pads**: Two operational launch complexes for PSLV, GSLV, and crewed mission tests.
- **Facilities**: Satellite testing labs, propulsion systems, and a tracking network.

### Notable Missions
- **Lunar Exploration**: Chandrayaan-1 (2008), Chandrayaan-3 (2023) lunar lander.
- **Planetary Science**: Mars Orbiter Mission (2013), India's first interplanetary probe.
- **Rocket Development**: Testbed for GSLV Mk III, critical for crewed missions like Gaganyaan.

### Research Contributions
- **Space Technology**: Advances in cryogenic engines, satellite navigation, and remote sensing.
- **International Collaboration**: Hosts launches for NASA, ESA, and commercial satellites.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora
3. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions