Union cabinet approves the establishment of ‘Third Launch Pad’ (TLP) project

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The project will be established at Satish Dhawan Space Centre of ISRO at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

About TLP

Key features: Configured to support Launch of NGLV and Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) vehicles with Semi cryogenic stage.
- Supports horizontal & tilted integration of New NGLVs.
Significance: Enables higher launch frequencies and enhances the launch capacity for future human spaceflight & space exploration missions etc.

Currently, ISRO relies on 2 launch pads located at Shriharikota - First Launch Pad (FLP) & Second Launch Pad (SLP).
- FLP was realized for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and continues to provide launch support for PSLV & SSLV.
- SLP was established primarily for GSLV & LVM3 and also functions as standby for PSLV.
  - Launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission & set to launch the Gaganyaan missions.

Located on eastern coast: Facilitates the launching in an easterly direction, taking advantage of earth’s rotation.
Proximity to equator: Provides launch vehicles with an additional push (Earth's rotation from west to east is fastest at equator) leading to substantial increase in pay loads & cutting down the operational costs.
Safety Purpose: Does not have major international maritime or airline routes crisscrossing testing.
Others: Largely uninhabited area & closer to the sea ensuring flight path of launch vehicles is entirely over the sea etc.

About: Programme by ISRO 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.