Cabinet Nod To Third Launchpad For ISRO

Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the creation of a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Isro’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The Third Launch Pad aims to provide launch infrastructure for Isro’s next generation launch vehicles (NGLV) and serve as a backup for the second launch pad. Additionally, it is expected to enhance India’s capability to support future human spaceflight missions, thereby strengthening the country’s space exploration potential.

ISRO’s Third Launch Pad At Sriharikota

Why In News

• Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the creation of a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Isro’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The Third Launch Pad aims to provide launch infrastructure for Isro’s next generation launch vehicles (NGLV) and serve as a backup for the second launch pad. Additionally, it is expected to enhance India’s capability to support future human spaceflight missions, thereby strengthening the country’s space exploration potential.

Strategic Implementation 

• TLP will feature a flexible and universal design to support various launch vehicles, including the NGLV, LVM3 with a semicryogenic stage, and scaled-up configurations of the NGLV. The project will leverage Isro’s expertise in setting up previous launch pads, while also ensuring maximum participation from industry stakeholders. Existing facilities at the launch complex will be optimally utilised during its development. The construction of the TLP is expected to be completed within 48 months.

Budget

•  The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 3,984.86 crore, which covers the establishment of the launch pad and its associated infrastructure.
•  The TLP will significantly bolster India’s space ecosystem by enabling more frequent launches and supporting the nation’s capacity for human spaceflight and advanced space exploration missions. It is considered a project of national importance.

Background

• Indian Space Transportation Systems are completely reliant on two launch pads viz. First Launch Pad (FLP) & Second Launch Pad (SLP). FLP was realized 30 years ago for PSLV and continues to provide launch support for PSLV & SSLV.

• SLP was established primarily for GSLV & LVM3 and also functions as standby for PSLV. SLP has been operational for almost 20 years and has enhanced the launch capacity towards enabling some commercial missions of PSLV/LVM3 along with the national missions including the Chandrayaan-3 mission. SLP is also getting ready to launch the human rated LVM3 for the Gaganyaan missions.

• The expanded vision of Indian Space Programme during the Amrit Kaal including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 & an Indian Crewed Lunar Landing by 2040 requires a new generation of heavier launch vehicles with new propulsion systems, which cannot be met by the existing launch pads.
• The expeditious establishment of a Third Launch Pad to cater to a heavier class of Next Generation Launch Vehicles and as a stand by for SLP is highly essential so as to meet the evolving space transportation requirements for another 25-30 years.