New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the construction of a third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.
This development coincides with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) completing its historic docking experiment, demonstrating the nation’s growing space ambitions.
During the announcement of the decision along with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the newly appointed ISRO chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space, Dr V Narayanan was present who also appreciated the cabinet’s decision.
It was told that the third launch pad, set to be built at a cost of Rs 3,984.86 crore, is a critical step in preparing for the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) and future space missions, including India’s plan to establish the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and send a human to the Moon by 2040.
The project will also enhance the country’s capacity to launch heavier rockets such as the LVM3 and increase the frequency of launches for commercial and scientific purposes.
“PM has given the direction and guidelines for us to take Indian astronauts to the moon, safely land and bring them back – for that program also this third launch pad will be useful,” said Dr Narayanan.
Infrastructure and Capabilities
The proposed launch pad will feature cutting-edge facilities, including:
- Jet deflectors, launch towers, and lightning suppression systems.
- Propellant storage and servicing systems for liquid methane and cryogenic fuels.
- Advanced range systems, instrumentation, electronic support, and checkout interfaces.
The new pad will be co-located with the Second Launch Pad (SLP) at Sriharikota, leveraging existing infrastructure to optimize costs and time. This strategic positioning will also enable it to serve as a backup for the SLP, ensuring redundancy and reliability for missions such as Gaganyaan, India’s human spaceflight program.
Timeline and Purpose
The construction of the third launch pad is expected to be completed in 48 months. Once operational, it will support the launch of NGLV—a heavy-lift rocket currently under development by ISRO—and the LVM3, both of which utilize semi-cryogenic engines. Additionally, the facility will accommodate launches of smaller payloads, increasing the versatility and capacity of India’s space program.
India’s spaceport at Sriharikota currently operates two launch pads:
- First Launch Pad (FLP): Established 30 years ago, designed for smaller rockets like PSLV and SSLV.
- Second Launch Pad (SLP): Built 20 years ago, primarily for heavier vehicles like GSLV and LVM3, but also capable of launching PSLV as a standby.
The third pad will not only enhance the capability to launch heavier rockets but also provide scalability for future human spaceflight missions, including crewed Moon landings.
Broader Space Initiatives
The Cabinet’s approval of the third launch pad is part of a broader strategy to strengthen India’s position in space exploration and commercialization. Key recent approvals include:
- The development of NGLV with a budget of Rs 8,240 crore.
- Follow-on missions under Gaganyaan and the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station with an allocation of Rs 20,193 crore.
- Chandrayaan-4 mission, aimed at further lunar exploration, costing Rs 2,104 crore.
- A mission to Venus for scientific exploration, allocated Rs 1,236 crore.
- The creation of a Venture Capital Fund for the space sector, under IN-SPACe, with Rs 1,000 crore.
Advancing Commercial and Scientific Launches
The third launch pad will bolster India’s capability to cater to the growing demand for commercial satellite launches. By increasing the frequency and reliability of launches, the facility will attract more international clients, further cementing India’s position as a leading player in the global space economy.
As ISRO aims for larger and more ambitious missions, such as setting up a space station and crewed lunar expeditions, the enhanced infrastructure at Sriharikota will play a pivotal role in realizing these goals. The decision marks a significant milestone in India’s journey to becoming a spacefaring nation capable of undertaking complex missions and competing in the global space race.
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