- ISRO had organised a function at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota to celebrate the completion of 1000th solid motor casting by Solid Propellant Space Booster Plant (SPROB).
- Solid propulsion plays an important role in launch vehicle technology. The reliability, simplicity, easy scalability and high thrust capability of a solid propulsion system makes it a preferable solution for a launch vehicle.
- For developing the essential expertise in large Solid Rocket Motors, SPROB was established at Sriharikota and commissioned in 1977 with the realisation of a 1 m diameter monolithic motor for SLV-3.
- In the 1980s, the requirement of the operational Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) called for a major expansion of the scope and capacity of the facilities at SPROB. This necessitated quantum shift in propellant formulation technology using the indigenously developed HTPB binder and vertical propellant mixers. Self-reliance in solid propellant production was achieved by indigenous development and realisation of several specialised equipment.
- For manufacturing the massive S200 solid rocket motors of GSLV MkIII vehicle, a new plant was built at SPROB. Decades of experience gained in processing and operation of SPROB was utilised in the design and realisation of this world class plant. Successful commissioning of this vast with state of the art plant in 2008 has enabled the Indian space programme to evolve complex missions like Chandrayaan 2 and Gaganyaan.
- SPROB is now carrying out a challenging task to deliver 12 S139 (PSLV first stage) motors by 2019 end, which is double the present capacity. With meticulous planning and spirited efforts, 29 additional facilities are being set up with innovative technical aspects and fail-safe process automation. With the commissioning of these facilities, the overall annual production capacity of the plant will make a giant leap within a record time
