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Government approves construction of third launch pad at ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre

ISRO currently has two launch pads used for various space missions. The space agency will utilise the upcoming launch pad in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, for its future missions.

Written By: Om Gupta New Delhi Published : Jan 16, 2025 21:40 IST, Updated : Jan 16, 2025 21:40 IST
ISRO's third launch pad
Image Source : FILE ISRO's third launch pad

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has today approved the establishment of a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This project aims to develop launch infrastructure tailored for ISRO's Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and to provide a backup for the existing Second Launch Pad at the same location. Additionally, it will significantly increase the capability for future Indian human spaceflight missions. The TLP is recognized as a project of national importance. 

Implementation strategy and objectives:

The design of the TLP will feature a versatile and adaptable configuration, ensuring it can support not only the NGLV but also the LVM3 vehicles equipped with a semi-cryogenic stage, as well as enhanced versions of the NGLV. 

This project will leverage maximum participation from industry while fully utilizing ISRO’s extensive experience from previous launch pad developments. Moreover, it will make optimal use of the current launch complex facilities.

The projected timeline for establishing the TLP is set for 48 months, or four years. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 3,984.86 crores, which encompasses the construction of the launch pad and associated facilities.

This initiative is set to propel the Indian Space ecosystem forward by enabling more frequent launches and bolstering national capabilities for human spaceflight and exploration missions. 

Currently, India’s space transportation relies entirely on two launch pads: the First Launch Pad (FLP) and the Second Launch Pad (SLP). The FLP was established 30 years ago to support PSLV launches and continues to be operational for PSLV and SSLV missions. 

The SLP, designed primarily for GSLV and LVM3, has functioned for nearly two decades and has improved our capacity for both national missions—including the Chandrayaan-3 mission—and commercial PSLV/LVM3 missions. Additionally, the SLP is gearing up for the human-rated LVM3 launch for the Gaganyaan missions.

As India look towards the ambitious vision for the Indian Space Programme during the Amrit Kaal, which includes the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 and an Indian Crewed Lunar Landing by 2040, it is clear that the country will need a new generation of heavier launch vehicles with advanced propulsion systems—capabilities that the existing launch pads cannot fulfill. Therefore, swiftly establishing a Third Launch Pad is crucial to meet the anticipated space transportation needs for the next 25 to 30 years.

ALSO READ: ISRO successfully docks two satellites in Space under Spadex Mission in fourth attempt

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