Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Cabinet has approved the construction of a third launch pad at ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at a cost of ₹3,985 crore.
Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a third launch pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This project aims to bolster India's space ambitions, as announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Project Objective and Cost
According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the third launch pad will be established at ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre at a cost of ₹3,985 crore. The project is expected to be completed within 48 months and aims to enhance ISRO's launch infrastructure, supporting the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).
Significance of TLP
The third launch pad is designed to support various configurations with NGLV and LVM3 vehicles. This will enhance India's capabilities for upcoming human missions and large-scale space projects. The third launch pad will also serve as a crucial backup for the existing second launch pad. Its design will focus on ISRO's extensive experience and industry participation.
Current Launch Pads and the Need for TLP
Currently, India has two operational launch pads—the First Launch Pad (FLP), established 30 years ago, and the Second Launch Pad (SLP), in service for the past 20 years. The need for a third launch pad arises from India's ambitious projects planned for 2040 and beyond, such as the Indian Space Station and crewed lunar missions.
India's Space Program Forecast
The establishment of this third launch pad is crucial to accommodate the needs of the Indian space program for the next 25-30 years. This step is a strategic endeavor to enhance India's space exploration capabilities and strengthen its global standing.
