Site for ISRO's 100th Space Launch
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone with its $100^{th}$ space launch. This landmark event, like most of ISRO's crucial launches, was conducted from its primary spaceport.
Understanding ISRO Launch Facilities
ISRO operates several key facilities across India, each serving specific purposes in space exploration and research. However, for orbital launches, one site stands out:
- Sriharikota: This barrier island in Andhra Pradesh is home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), ISRO's dedicated spaceport. It is the main launch site for rockets carrying satellites and other payloads into Earth orbit and beyond. Its location near the equator is advantageous for launching satellites efficiently.
Let's consider the other options provided:
- Chitradurga: Primarily known for drone testing and military aviation facilities.
- Chandipur: This interim test range in Odisha is mainly used for the launch of short-range ballistic missiles and air-to-surface missiles, not orbital space launches.
- Hassan: This location in Karnataka houses ISRO's Master Control Facility (MCF) for satellite operations and the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN). It is crucial for controlling satellites after launch but is not a launch site itself.
Given that ISRO's $100^{th}$ space launch was a significant mission requiring orbital deployment, it was launched from the country's premier launch facility, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre located in Sriharikota.