Indian Cabinet Approves Establishment of Third Launch Pad: The Project is of National Importance

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the establishmentof the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre of ISRO at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The Third Launch Pad project envisages the establishment of the launch infrastructure at Sriharikota,Andhra Pradesh for the Next Generation Launch Vehicles of ISRO and also to support as standby launchpad for the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota. This will also enhance the launch capacity for future Indianhuman spaceflight missions.

Implementation strategy and targets:

The TLP is designed to have configuration that is as universal and adaptable as possible that can supportnot only NGLV but also the LVM3 vehicles with Semicryogenic stage as well as scaled up configurationsof NGLV. It will be realized with maximum industry participation fully utilizing ISRO’s experience inestablishing the earlier launch pads and maximally sharing the existing launch complex facilities.

TLP is targeted to be established within a duration of 48 months or 4 years.

Expenditure involved:

The total fund requirement is Rs. 3984.86 Crore and includes the establishment of the Launch Pad and theassociated facilities.

Number of beneficiaries:

The Project will boost the Indian Space ecosystem by enabling higher launch frequencies and the nationalcapacity to undertake human spaceflight & space exploration missions.

Background: 

As on today, Indian Space Transportation Systems are completely reliant on two launch pads viz. FirstLaunch Pad (FLP) & Second Launch Pad (SLP). FLP was realized 30 years ago for PSLV and continuesto provide launch support for PSLV & SSLV. SLP was established primarily for GSLV & LVM3 and alsofunctions as standby for PSLV. SLP has been operational for almost 20 years and has enhanced the launchcapacity towards enabling some commercial missions of PSLV/LVM3 along with the national missionsincluding the Chandrayaan-3 mission. SLP is also getting ready to launch the human rated LVM3 for theGaganyaan missions.

The expanded vision of Indian Space Programme during the Amrit Kaal including the Bharatiya AntarikshStation (BAS) by 2035 & an Indian Crewed Lunar Landing by 2040 requires a new generation of heavierlaunch vehicles with new propulsion systems, which cannot be met by the existing launch pads. Theexpeditious establishment of a Third Launch Pad to cater to a heavier class of Next Generation LaunchVehicles and as a stand by for SLP is highly essential so as to meet the evolving space transportationrequirements for another 25-30 years.