Which Rocket was launched on 21st November 1963 in India?

Asked 15-Nov-2021
Updated 30-Apr-2023
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On 21st November 1963, India's first sounding rocket was launched from the newly established Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Thumba, Kerala. The rocket, which was a two-stage solid-propellant rocket, was not an indigenous Indian rocket but was instead imported from either Russia or France. The M-100 rocket from Russia and the Centaure rocket from France were the first two sounding rockets used by India for atmospheric research.

Which Rocket was launched on 21st November 1963 in India

Sounding rockets are used to probe the upper atmosphere and conduct research on atmospheric sciences and aeronomy. Sounding rockets are additionally utilized to experiment with new components or subsystem prototypes for launch vehicles and satellites. The establishment of TERLS in 1963 marked a significant milestone in India's space program, as it enabled the country to conduct in-situ research on the atmosphere using rocket-borne instrumentation.

India's first sounding rocket launch from TERLS on 21st November 1963 paved the way for the country's space program. The knowledge acquired from the launch was highly significant in perfecting the solid propellant technology, which had a crucial part in India's progress in the launch vehicle technology. The Rohini Sounding Rocket (RSR) Program, launched in 1975, consolidated all of India's sounding rocket activities under one program.

The RH-75 rocket was the first truly indigenous sounding rocket developed under the RSR program, with a diameter of 75mm. Subsequently, the RH-100 and RH-125 rockets were developed. India's experience in launching sounding rockets was critical in the development of launch vehicle technology, as it provided a foundation for developing solid-propellant technology, which is now used in India's launch vehicles.

India's sounding rocket program also enables coordinated campaigns to be conducted by simultaneously launching sounding rockets from different locations. Multiple sounding rockets can also be launched within a single day. India's sounding rocket program continues to be an important aspect of the country's space program, as it provides an affordable platform for research and development in space technology.