The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) received approval on Thursday from the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to construct a third Launchpad (TLP) at its Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
The estimated cost of the project is Rs 3,984.8 crore, and it will enhance India’s space launch capabilities and support future human spaceflight missions.
ISRO will design the new facility to cater to the growing demands of India’s ambitious space program. It will be capable of supporting both the Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and LVM3 vehicles equipped with semi-cryogenic stages. India expects this versatile addition to play a crucial role as it aims to achieve major milestones in space exploration.
ISRO Strategic Expansion
The construction of the third launch pad aligns with India’s long-term space goals, including the establishment of a space station by 2035 and a crewed lunar landing by 2040. The development of the TLP will also ensure greater redundancy in India’s space infrastructure, providing backup in case of issues with the current Launchpad.
A government statement highlighted that the industry will significantly participate in developing the new launchpad, utilizing ISRO’s vast experience from previous launchpad projects. ISRO expects to complete the TLP within 48 months.
ISRO Chairman Explains Necessity Of Launchpad
As per the media reports, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath explained the necessity of the third launchpad. He noted that ISRO currently operates only two launchpads, with the second one having undergone extensive modifications over the years. ISRO designed the first pad for the PSLV, but it cannot support the GSLV because it cannot handle cryogenic stages.
Somanath further emphasized that in the event of an incident, such as an explosion, the absence of a third launch pad could halt the entire space program. “The primary objective of the third launch pad is to provide redundancy. Additionally, the NGLV will require a new approach, as it will be integrated horizontally and tilted, not vertically,” he explained.
Innovative Features Of New Launchpad
The third launchpad will handle the new-generation NGLVs, which are expected to rely more on liquid engine boosters than solid engines. This will necessitate changes in the design of the launch pad, including the jet deflector system. Furthermore, the new TLP will conduct stage testing, which currently takes place at Mahendragiri.
Somanath’s vision for the launch pad reflects ISRO’s evolving philosophy in space exploration and the need for infrastructure capable of supporting increasingly complex missions. The new launchpad will meet these demands and ensure that India realizes its space ambitions in the years to come.
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