Third Launch Pad

Posted 22 Feb 2025

Updated 28 Feb 2025

3 min read

Why in the News?

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).