Modi Cabinet approves Rs 3,984 crore third launch pad at ISRO’s Sriharikota for space missions – India TV
Image Source : PTI/FILE PHOTO ISRO’s PSLV-C58, carrying an X-ray polarimeter satellite and 10 other satellites, lifts off from the spaceport of Sriharikota. The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday approved the setting up of a third launch pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This important project aims to complement ISRO’s Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and serve as a backup to the existing Second Launch Pad (SLP). The TLP will also enhance India’s capabilities for future human spaceflight and exploration missions. Project overview and strategic importance The third launch pad will have universal and scalable systems capable of supporting NGLVs, LVM3 vehicles with semi-cryogenic stages, and scaled-up configurations of NGLVs. The project will see greater industry involvement and leverage ISRO’s experience, taking advantage of the availability of the first launch using existing facilities at the Sriharikota launch complex. The launch pad is expected to be operational within 48 months, making it ready for the next 25–30 years to meet India’s expanding spaceflight needs. …