Location
Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) is located on Sriharikota, a spindle-shaped island on the East Coast of Andhra Pradesh. Features like a good launch azimuth corridor for various missions, nearness to the equator (benefiting eastward launches), and large uninhabited area for a safety zone make it an ideal spaceport.
SHAR covers a total area of about 145 km2 (56 sq mi) with a coastal length of 27 km (17 mi). Prior to its acquisition for ISRO by the Indian Government, its was a firewood plantation of Eucalyptus and Casuarina trees. This island is affected by both south-westerly and north-easterly monsoons, but heavy rains come only in October and November. Thus many clear days are available for out-door static tests and launchings.
SHAR is linked to Sullurupeta by a road across Pulicat Lake. Sullurupeta is on a national highway that connects it to Chennai (about 100 km (62 mi) south) and Kolkata. Towards Chennai on the highway is Sricity, a developing satellite city on the border between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
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