Pollution Monitoring at SDSC, ISRO

India's Spaceport, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR), is a flagship facility of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the Department of Space (DOS). Managing satellite launches involving hazardous chemicals like N₂O₄ and UDMH, SDSC SHAR operates in a fragile ecosystem bordered by the Bay of Bengal and Pulicat Lake, with its sand dunes, shallow groundwater, and backwater creeks highly sensitive to contamination.

To safeguard this unique environment, a three-year pollution monitoring initiative (2004–2007) was implemented during the GSLV F01 and PSLV C7 launches. Entrusted to Re Sustainability Limited (formerly Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd), 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, with re-sampling in case of spills.

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.