ISRO’s Third Launch Pad

About ISRO’s Third Launch Pad

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre of Indian Space Research Organisat

ion (ISRO) at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

• About Third Launch Pad:
  • The Third Launch Pad project envisages the establishment of the launch infrastructure at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh for the Next Generation Launch Vehicles of ISRO.
  • It also support as standby launch pad for the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota.This will also enhance the launch capacity for future Indian human spaceflight missions.
  • Implementation strategy and targets:
    • It is designed to have configuration that is as universal and adaptable as possible that can support not only NGLV but also the LVM3  vehicleswit
      h Semicryogenic stage as well as scaled up configurations of NGLV.
    • It will be realized with maximum industry participationfully utilizing ISRO’s experience in establishing 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.
  • Funding:The total fund requirement is 86 Crore and includes the establishment of the Launch Pad and the associated facilities.
  • Significance:The Project will boost the Indian Space ecosystem by enabling higher launch frequencies and the national capacity to undertake human spaceflight & space exploration missions.
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  • Background:
    • Presently, 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 PSLVand continues to provide launch support for PSLV & SSLV.

SLP was established primarily for GSLV & LVM3 and also functions as standby for PSLV. SLP has been operational for almost 20 years and has enhanced the launch capacity towards enabling some commercial missions of PSLV/LVM3 along with the national missions including the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

1. What is the purpose of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) approved by the Union Cabinet?
The TLP aims to enhance ISRO’s launch capacity for future missions, including human spaceflight, and serve as a standby for the Second Launch Pad.

2. How will the Third Launch Pad support ISRO’s space programs?
The TLP will support Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV), LVM3 vehicles, and future human spaceflight missions, with adaptable configurations for various vehicle types.

3. What is the timeline for establishing the Third Launch Pad?
The TLP is targeted to be established within 48 months (4 years).

4. What is the estimated funding for the Third Launch Pad project?The total fund requirement for the project is ₹86 Crore, covering the establishment of the launch pad and associated facilities.

5. How does the Third Launch Pad contribute to India’s space capabilities?
It will boost the Indian space ecosystem by increasing launch frequencies and supporting human spaceflight and space exploration missions.