Report on industrial visit to SDSC -SHAR,Sriharikota and NARL-Gadanki,Tirupati LBRCE 2015-19

The day started with a delightful journey through the Pulicat lake for nearly 10 kms and finally stood infront of prestigious SATISH DHAWAN SPACE CENTER, Sriharikota. The feeling was astonishing as the place was filled with vibrations of astronomical research. We started with Space Museum where many affiches were displayed which potrayed the outer  space,  replicas of some space vehicles like PSLV,ASLV,GSLV .Later we had a lecture by Mr.V. Surendra(Senior Scientist of HR group) about the operations of the  centre, research held on various space vehicles, facilities available in SDSC and other ongoing research works. A video demonstrating the development of space science in  India from 1969 to present day was inspirational and patriotic.

Its really a dream for every electronic engineer to visit MCC (Machine Control Centre) atleast once in his lifetime and that dream was fulfilled for us on that day. It has various chambers of all the dignitaries in various fields . During the time of launch this crew assembled here to observe each and every stage of the rocket from the time of launch till the entry of satellite into its respective orbit. Just opposite to their chambers  there is a lounge where  VIPs watch the entire launching process over the large projected screens displayed  at a height of  10 to 15 meters from the ground.

Later we moved on to the launching pad where PSLV,GSLV,CRYOGENIC satellites were launched. The total height of that launch pad is 120 meters where various movable assembling parts are held at respective heights. under that launching pad there is a 30meter deep coolant(normally water) flowing area. Launching pad is surrounded by four large towers  which are helpful to capture the launch images and  also to ground the potential during thunderstorms to protect the launching pad.

SDSC-SHAR is the only place in INDIA where different types of satellites are launched. Various scientists and engineers working over there feel that they are serving nation more than any person in the country and through out the day their hearts are filled with patriotism. That is why SDSC stands at 5^th place among the space centers in the world.

On the whole, we gained knowledge regarding various types of launch vehicles, control actions performed by scientists in MCC and launching pad structure.

Later we moved on to the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) which is just near to the devotional place, Tirupati. Like ISRO, NARL has also its own importance. In short we can say ISRO is under the control of NARL from the time of countdown to the time of launch. NARL mainly concentrate on the atmospheric changes in the various layers of atmosphere like troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere and ionosphere. They have nearly 20 types of RADARS to observe these changes. The main motto of this laboratory is weather prediction. They predict the future values of weather based on the initial values of weather like humidity, pressure, temperature of that day.

We were shocked after seeing that super computer  which is equivalent to 32 computers for their prediction process. The total RAM of that super computer is 2.3TB which was amazing. Every day they are storing atleast 500 GB of data regarding weather prediction values. This is the reason why NARL has data storage center. In data storage center they have weather predicted reports from last  four years to till date. Out of which primary and secondary storage is there, newly predicted weather values are stored in primary storage made up of semiconductor and old values are stored in secondary storage made up of magnetic tapes.

MST RADAR is behind the main seminar hall of NARL where large number of dipole antennas and  yagi-uda antennas are placed. Nearly thousands of antennas are placed over there out of which every 16 antennas are grouped into one block. This MST radar ,in particular gives us the information regarding mesosphere, stratosphere and troposphere.

On the whole, we gained knowledge regarding various types of RADARS used for predicting weather and also about the various research activities going on in NARL.

On the whole our faculty coordinators were friendly and guided us very well.they helped us in enhancing our knowledge. All the  theoretical knowledge they are imparting to us, was reflected practically in our visit. Throughout the journey our faculty interacted with us effectively in providing us a clear view about the research  activities. With their warmth and affection we felt as if we are with our parents.