Pollution Monitoring at SDSC, ISRO

India’s spaceport, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR), is a key facility of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the Department of Space (DOS). The centre handles satellite launches involving use of chemicals like N₂O₄ and UDMH. Located in a delicate ecosystem between the Bay of Bengal and Pulicat Lake, the area’s sand dunes, shallow groundwater, and backwater creeks are vulnerable to any contamination.

To safeguard this unique environment, a three-year pollution monitoring initiative was implemented during the GSLV F01 and PSLV C7 launches. The project focused on two components: baseline data collection and real-time air quality monitoring. Soil sampling at various depths and water sampling from boreholes, wells, and creeks analyzed parameters such as pH, nitrates, nitrogen content, and free UDMH. Concurrently, air quality monitoring tracked NO₂ and UDMH concentrations at critical locations during launches.

Specialized equipment and skilled personnel ensured accurate analysis of over 250 samples, enabling actionable insights to mitigate risks, protect ecosystems like Pulicat Lake, and ensure compliance. By embedding sustainability into mission-critical operations, this project set a standard for aligning innovation with environmental responsibility, exemplifying SDSC SHAR’s commitment to balancing technological progress with ecosystem preservation.