Kumar Bahukhandi
ISRO launch pad. (symbolic photo)
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that the Union Cabinet on Thursday approved setting up a third launch pad at ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota at a cost of Rs 3,985 crore. The project is expected to be completed within 48 months.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the establishment of a third launch pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This step will boost India’s space ambitions. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has given information about this. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that the Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the establishment of a third launch pad at ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota at a cost of Rs 3,985 crore.
. ‘Project will be completed in 48 months’
The new launch pad is designed to accommodate various configurations including NGLV and LVM3 vehicles, taking advantage of ISRO’s extensive experience in launch pad construction and enhancing industry participation.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the construction of a third launch pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This step will boost India’s space ambitions. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has given information about this. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that the Union Cabinet on Thursday January 16 , 2025 approved the establishment of a third launch pad at ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota at a cost of Rs 3,985 crore. ‘Project will be completed in 48 months’ The government’s decision is aimed at enhancing ISRO’s launch infrastructure and supporting the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). The TLP will serve as an important backup to the existing second launch pad, increasing India’s capacity for human missions in the future. The estimated cost of this project is Rs 3,984.86 crore. The project is expected to be completed within 48 months. The new launch pad has been designed to accommodate various configurations including NGLV and LVM3 vehicles, with a focus on enhancing industry participation and leveraging ISRO’s extensive experience in launch pad construction.
ISRO has two launch pads
Currently, India’s space mission relies on two operational launch pads, the First Launch Pad (FLP) which was established 30 years ago for PSLV launches and the Second Launch Pad (SLP) which has been in continuous service for nearly 20 years.
The introduction of TLP is necessary as India prepares for more ambitious projects including the Indian Space Station by 2040 and possible crewed lunar missions.
This adaptability is critical to accommodate the emerging needs of India’s space program over the next 25-30 years. The establishment of the third launch pad not only enhances ISRO’s capabilities but also marks a strategic move towards enhancing India’s position in global space exploration.
