SHAR aka Sriharikota is an island off the east coast of India on the Bay of Bengal that is the site of the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) thriving launch facility known as the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC - SHAR). Never been there myself, but it must be an exotic spot. It has been an exceptionally active launch site over the years, and yet, it is not well known here in the U.S.
Why focus on activities at SDSC - SHAR instead of those unfolding at Baikonur, Kourou or the new launch site under construction by the Chinese on Hainan Island? Or even Alcantera which is the rarely used Brazilian launch center? Simply put, SHAR is different and "Soaring over SHAR" hopes to capture some of the spirit and energy that is so pervasive throughout the Indian space sector. In mid-2011, ISRO may be anxious to set sail on calmer waters after a few unwanted setbacks over the past few months. Still, every space program has experienced setbacks along the way, and the sun will be shining down on SHAR shortly. You can count on it.
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