Many factors are taken into account while choosing a location for a site from where spacecraft are launched. Firstly, the launch site should be at a remote location as far away as possible from populated areas to reduce the chances of human fatalities on the ground in case of a rocket disaster. It is preferable if it is located next to a major water body such as a sea so that parts shed by flying rockets can fall into the open ???an.
The site should be accessible by land, air, and sea to avoid unnecessary transportation costs and delays. Scientists also prefer a site that has pleasant, mild weather conditions.
Launch sites are usually located near the Equator. Earth rotates from west to east. The surface velocity of the rotation is maximum (about 1600 km/hour) at the Equator. A rocket launched in the easterly direction from a site close to the Equator benefits greatly from the natural boost provided by the surface velocity of Earth’s rotation. This cuts down the cost of rockets used to launch satellites that are destined for the geo-stationary orbit, which runs parallel to the Equator. Most launch sites such as the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana; Cape Canaveral in the U.S.: Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh; and Thumba in Kerala – are located near the Equator.
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