Modi Govt Approves ISRO's New Launch Pad Valued at $480 Mn

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a new and Third Launch Pad (TLP) of Indian Space agency, ISRO, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

This project is valued at Rs 3,984 crore (US $480 Million) and is expected to be completed within 48 months or 4 years.

The project cost includes the establishment of the Launch Pad and the associated facilities.

Currently, 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.

The Second Launch Pad (SLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh was established in 2005. It was primarily built to support the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and LVM3 launch vehicles, and it also functions as a standby for the First Launch Pad (FLP).

Key Points of new Third Launch Pad (TLP):

Purpose: The new launch pad will support ISRO's Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and serve as a standby for the existing Second Launch Pad.

Capacity Enhancement: This will significantly enhance ISRO's launch capacity, enabling more frequent and complex missions.

Future Missions: The TLP will support upcoming human spaceflight missions and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India's planned space station.

Design: The launch pad will have a universal and adaptable configuration to support various launch vehicles, including the LVM3 vehicles with semicryogenic stages.

This development marks a significant step in strengthening India's space infrastructure and expanding its capabilities in space exploration.