ISRO's lead centre for rockets, in Thiruvananthapuram. It designs and develops ISRO's launch vehicles, from sounding rockets to PSLV, GSLV and LVM3.
VSSC is ISRO's lead centre for launch vehicle technology. It works on aeronautics, avionics, materials, propulsion, structures, stage separation and vehicle integration.
Its main programmes include PSLV, GSLV and the Rohini sounding rockets. It also develops LVM3, reusable launch vehicles, air-breathing propulsion and key technologies for human spaceflight.
VSSC grew out of the rocket station at Thumba, set up in 1962. In July 1972 several units, including TERLS and the Space Science and Technology Centre, were brought under one centre.
The Space Science and Technology Centre was renamed the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in 1972. The new name honoured Vikram Sarabhai, who died on 30 December 1971.
VSSC develops the Rohini sounding rockets. The RH-200 rocket and its weather payload for the first launch from Kulasekarapattinam, in 2024, came from VSSC.
VSSC has extension centres at Valiamala and Vattiyoorkavu, and an ammonium perchlorate plant at Aluva near Kochi.