Sriharikota to get third launchpad, Cabinet approves Rs 3,984 crore plan todayheadline

With a focus on improving its space capabilities, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday approved the setting up of the third launch pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Shriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The new facility will be developed for Rs 3984.86 Crore. It will be used for the Next-Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs) and aid in critical future missions, including the upcoming Ganganyaan–human spaceflight programme, ISRO said.

The TLP will also act as a standby launchpad for the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota. The Indian space agency said that the infrastructure will be designed to have a configuration that is as universal and adaptable which will not just support NGLV but also the LVM3 vehicles with Semicryogenic stage that will have as scaled up configurations of NGLV.

“It will be realized with maximum industry participation fully utilizing ISRO’s experience in establishing the earlier launch pads and maximally sharing the existing launch complex facilities,” ISRO said in a statement. TLP is targeted to be built within 48 months or 4 years.

The key components of the TLP will include, jet detector systems, launch towers, and lightning suppression systems. Propellant storage and servicing facilities for liquid methane and cryogenic fuels will also be integrated along with advanced range systems, instrumentation, and electronic support facilities.

The space agency believes the expeditious establishment of TLP will cater to a heavier class of NGLV “is highly essential to meet the evolving space transportation requirements for another 25-30 years.”