The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is proposing a new plan to establish the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) in Challakere, located in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka. Already known as Science City due to the presence of several significant facilities, adding HSFC to the mix will further cement this district’s reputation. Additionally, ISRO also plans to install a quarantine facility at the Sriharikota spaceport, aimed at preserving astronaut health prior to spacecraft launch.
Challakere: A Consolidated Infrastructure for Space Travellers
Challakere is poised to become a single-stop destination for the consolidation of infrastructure and activities relating to space travellers in India. At present, the Human Spaceflight Programme (HSP) work has been divided among multiple centres such as the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. With the arrival of HSFC, Challakere will accommodate operations related to the crew and service modules of the spacecraft carrying astronauts.
Reducing Cost through Local Training Facilities
For the forthcoming Gaganyaan mission in 2022, the first four astronaut candidates are slated to receive training in Russia, which comes with a hefty price tag. The creation of local space training facilities like HSFC in Challakere aims to eliminate the need, and therefore the cost, of sending astronauts abroad for training.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Challakere, Chitradurga district, Karnataka |
| Existing Facilities | ISRO facilities, Advanced Aeronautical Test Range, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre |
| Proposed Additions | Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), Quarantine facility at Sriharikota spaceport |
| Benefits | Consolidation of space-related activities, cost-saving on astronaut training |
About Challakere
Challakere is a city located within the Chitradurga district in the state of Karnataka, India. Often referred to as the Oil City, it hosts numerous edible oil mills across its landscape. The city is renowned for its kambali, or woven blankets, made by the local Kuruba people. Due to its position as the second-largest producer and supplier of edible oil, following Mumbai, it has earned the nickname “the second Mumbai” of India. There are more than 60 different oil industries operating within Challakere.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024