Union Cabinet approved the establishment of 'Third Launch Pad' (TLP) project at Satish Dhawan Space Centre of ISRO at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

About TLP

Key Features: Configured to support Launch of Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) with Semi cryogenic stage as well as scaled up configurations of NGLV.
Timeline: To be established within 4 years.
Significance of TLP
- Capacity augmentation: Enables higher launch frequencies and enhances the launch capacity for future human spaceflight & space exploration missions, etc.
- Expanded vision of Indian Space Programme: Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 and an Indian Crewed Lunar Landing by 2040 require a next generation of heavier launch vehicles with new propulsion systems.
- Future Transportation: It is highly essential so as to meet the evolving space transportation requirements for another 25-30 years.

Existing Launch pads in India

Currently, ISRO relies on 2 launch pads located at Shriharikota:
- First Launch Pad provides launch support for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
- Second Launch Pad was established primarily for Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) & LVM3 and also functions as standby for PSLV.

Conclusion

The expeditious establishment of a Third Launch Pad to cater to a heavier class of Next Generation Launch Vehicles and as a stand by for SLP is highly essential so as to meet the evolving space transportation requirements.

Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) Programme

About: It aims to develop a new rocket (also known as Soorya Rocket) to launch satellites, spacecraft, and other payloads.
Features
- 3 stage vehicle with reusable first stage. Reusability results in low-cost access to space and modular green propulsion systems.
- The booster stages will use semi-cryogenic propulsion, using refined kerosene as fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as oxidizer.
- It will have 3 times the present payload capability with 1.5 times the cost compared to LVM3.

Other Launch Vehicles of the ISRO

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV): It is the third generation launch vehicle of India.
- It is a 4 stage launch vehicle with 1^st & 3^rd stages being solid rocket motors and 2^nd & 4^th being liquid engines.
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV): It is operational fourth generation launch vehicle with 3-stage and four liquid strap-on motor.
- It is used to launch communication satellites in geo-transfer orbit using cryogenic third stage.
Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV): It is a 3 stage Launch Vehicle configured with three Solid Propulsion Stages and liquid propulsion based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk-III (LVM3): LVM3 is configured as a three stage vehicle with two solid strap-on motors (S200), one liquid core stage (L110), and a high thrust cryogenic upper stage (C25).