Big, Bigger, Biggest!!!
We entered the SHAR premises after the routine security checks. The whole place looked forlorn and there was nobody moving about. The stranded roads inside would lead to security gates at regular periods. Thankfully, there was a scientist aboard our bus to save us from getting lost in the labyrinth.
We got down from the bus to visit the spot where static testing is carried out - a long, wide corridor with a high roof and overhead cranes all around. This was where the motors (rocket engines) were tested for various parameters. The most interesting thing about the enclosure was that the entire roof was mobile and could be slid out during the testing process. Nobody stayed within a radius of 3 km during the testing. A single testing operation needs six months of preparation.
Then, we were led to the first of three launchpads. This was where my respect for engineering grew manifold. The entire rocket would be assembled on a platform in an enclosed structure that is 51 meters in height. The assembly would take about forty days, after which a final check is carried out before countdown. Before the launch, the enclosure would be moved 200 meters away from the launching platform. How do they speak of such gigantic structures moving????? Oof..
After lunch, we were taken to the site where the booster rockets were assembled and inspected. A scientist there explained things as if he was in a hurry to die, for he spoke faster than we could comprehend. He added a lot of life into his explanations by calling every part of the rocket, a "fellow". For instance, "Last time, this fellow failed because of high temperature". I watched in awe as he finished his lecture and demanded questions.
Later, we were taken to the other launchpads and finally to the control room. It was a hall with computers that brought information on everything about the rocket's status. A hall where, according to me, the best brains in the nation got together to witness the launch. The control room was separated from a gallery for VIPs, by a glass window. The VIP panel consists of eminent personalities from different parts of the globe.
That was the last place we saw in SHAR and we were left to be with our memories of the trip. Nobody spoke as much as they did while going there. Was it because of the fatigue from roaming around all day? Or were they too thrilled like me to speak? Reminiscence is sweet and that of a trip like this is sweeter...
We got down from the bus to visit the spot where static testing is carried out - a long, wide corridor with a high roof and overhead cranes all around. This was where the motors (rocket engines) were tested for various parameters. The most interesting thing about the enclosure was that the entire roof was mobile and could be slid out during the testing process. Nobody stayed within a radius of 3 km during the testing. A single testing operation needs six months of preparation.
Then, we were led to the first of three launchpads. This was where my respect for engineering grew manifold. The entire rocket would be assembled on a platform in an enclosed structure that is 51 meters in height. The assembly would take about forty days, after which a final check is carried out before countdown. Before the launch, the enclosure would be moved 200 meters away from the launching platform. How do they speak of such gigantic structures moving????? Oof..
After lunch, we were taken to the site where the booster rockets were assembled and inspected. A scientist there explained things as if he was in a hurry to die, for he spoke faster than we could comprehend. He added a lot of life into his explanations by calling every part of the rocket, a "fellow". For instance, "Last time, this fellow failed because of high temperature". I watched in awe as he finished his lecture and demanded questions.
Later, we were taken to the other launchpads and finally to the control room. It was a hall with computers that brought information on everything about the rocket's status. A hall where, according to me, the best brains in the nation got together to witness the launch. The control room was separated from a gallery for VIPs, by a glass window. The VIP panel consists of eminent personalities from different parts of the globe.
That was the last place we saw in SHAR and we were left to be with our memories of the trip. Nobody spoke as much as they did while going there. Was it because of the fatigue from roaming around all day? Or were they too thrilled like me to speak? Reminiscence is sweet and that of a trip like this is sweeter...
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