ISRO’s Third Launch Pad

18.01.2025

ISRO’s Third Launch Pad

Why in the news?                        

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre of Indian Space Research Organisation (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 is also supported as a 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 a configuration that is as universal and adaptable as possible that can support not only NGLV but also the LVM3  vehicles with Semicryogenic stage as well 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.
• TLP is targeted to be established within a duration of 48 months or 4 years.
• Funding: The total fund requirement is 3984.86 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.

Background of the  Launch Pad:

• 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 PSLV and 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

                                                                Source: PIB

Consider the following statements regarding ISRO’s Third Launch Pad:

1. It will be established at Satish Dhawan Space Centre of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

2. It will be configured for the next generation launch vehicles of ISRO.

3.It is targeted to be established within a duration of 60 months or 5 years

How many of the above statements are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C.All three

D.None

Answer A