Cabinet approves third launch pad at ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre

The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the establishment of a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on Thursday.

The TLP is designed to support the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) next-generation launch vehicles (NGLV) and serve as a backup to the existing second launch pad.

#WATCH | Delhi: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, "...With a cost of Rs 3985 Crores, third launch pad has been sanctioned by the cabinet today. This will prove to be an important milestone for the country in space infrastructure. If you look at the first and second launch… pic.twitter.com/Mr5Cnw4D1j

— ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2025

It will also enhance India’s space exploration capabilities, particularly in supporting future human spaceflight missions.

Featuring a versatile and adaptable design, the TLP will be able to accommodate various launch vehicles, including the NGLV, LVM3 with a semi-cryogenic stage, and upgraded NGLV configurations.

Union Cabinet approves the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre of ISRO at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh at a cost of ₹3,985 cr which will prove to be an important milestone in the field of space infrastructure

TLP significantly enhances… pic.twitter.com/l3hnAnBrRv

— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 16, 2025

The project will build on ISRO’s prior experience in developing launch pads and involve significant collaboration with industry partners. Existing infrastructure at the launch complex will be optimized during the construction process.

The TLP project, with an estimated cost of Rs 3,984.86 crore, is set to be completed within 48 months.

This new facility will strengthen India’s space ecosystem, enabling more frequent launches and advancing the country's capabilities in human spaceflight and space exploration missions. It is recognized as a project of national importance.

Currently, India's space transportation systems rely on two launch pads: the First Launch Pad (FLP) and the Second Launch Pad (SLP).

FLP, established 30 years ago, has supported PSLV and SSLV launches.

SLP, created primarily for GSLV and LVM3, has been operational for nearly 20 years, contributing to national missions like Chandrayaan-3 and commercial PSLV/LVM3 missions.

Additionally, SLP is being prepared for the human-rated LVM3 launch for the Gaganyaan mission.

With the expanded vision of India's space program during the Amrit Kaal, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 and a planned Indian Crewed Lunar Landing by 2040, new, heavier launch vehicles with advanced propulsion systems are required.

These vehicles cannot be supported by the current launch pads. Therefore, establishing a Third Launch Pad is crucial to cater to the next-generation launch vehicles and act as a backup for SLP. This development is essential to meet the growing space transportation needs for the next 25 to 30 years.