Explanations:The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) is a significant institution in the field of space research and development in India. It is located in Thiruvananthapuram, which is the capital city of the state of Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram, formerly known as Trivandrum, is a major urban center in southern India and is renowned for its educational and research institutions.
The VSSC is a part of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which is the national space agency of India. The center is named after Vikram Sarabhai, a renowned Indian physicist and astronomer who is considered the father of the Indian space program. The VSSC is responsible for the design and development of launch vehicles, which are used to launch satellites and other payloads into space.
Thiruvananthapuram was chosen as the location for the VSSC due to its strategic geographical position and the availability of skilled human resources. The city is situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea, which provides a suitable launch site for polar satellites. Additionally, the city has a strong educational background, with several prestigious institutions like the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, which contribute to the research and development activities of the VSSC.
It is important to note that while the city is officially known as Thiruvananthapuram, the name Trivandrum is still widely used, especially in the context of historical references and some official documents. Therefore, both names are correct when referring to the location of the VSSC.
Understanding the location of the VSSC is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations, as questions related to the geographical distribution of important institutions in India are common. It is also essential for those interested in the field of space research and development to be aware of the key centers and their locations.