PM Unveils Three Space Facilities and Presents Astronaut Wings | 28 Feb 2024
Recently, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated three significant space infrastructure projects: SLV Integration Facility (PIF) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test (SIEST) facility at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri and Trisonic Wind Tunnel at Vikram Sarabhai Space Center, Thiruvananthapuram.
- They will enhance India's technical capabilities in the space sector and support its vision for space exploration.
- The PIF will ramp up PSLV launches from 6 to 15 annually and support SSLV and other small launch vehicles.
- The SIEST facility will develop semi-cryogenic engines, enhancing payload capacity, with capabilities to test engines up to 200 tons of thrust.
- The Trisonic Wind Tunnel marks a milestone in aerodynamic testing for rockets and aircraft.
- These facilities are also crucial for the Gaganyaan Mission.
- The PIF will ramp up PSLV launches from 6 to 15 annually and support SSLV and other small launch vehicles.
- Also, the Prime Minister announced the names of four pilots chosen for Gaganyaan mission and presented 'Astronaut Wings' to them.
- The designated pilots for the Gaganyaan mission are Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander S Shukla.
Read more: Gaganyaan Mission