ISRO Plans Third Launch Pad at Shriharikota

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced plans to develop a third launch pad at Shriharikota. The new facility is expected to be commissioned within four years. This step is crucial for launching heavier satellites and advanced launch vehicles.

What Is the News?

• ISRO is developing a third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC).
• The agency has started the procurement process and is identifying suitable vendors.
• The plan was confirmed by Padmakumar ES, Director of SDSC.

Need For a Third Launch Pad

• ISRO aims to place bigger satellites weighing 12,000–14,000 kg into various orbits.
• Such missions require larger and more powerful launch vehicles.
• Existing launch pads may not be sufficient for future mission frequency and scale.
• A third pad will provide operational flexibility and backup capability.

Key Features of the Proposed Launch Pad

The third launch pad is expected to,

• Support heavy-lift launch vehicles
• Enable parallel launch preparations
• Improve launch frequency and turnaround time
• Strengthen India’s capacity for commercial and strategic missions

This will help ISRO meet growing domestic and international demand.

Background: Shriharikota Spaceport

• Shriharikota is located about 135 km east of Chennai.
• The spaceport covers an area of 175 sq km.
• It began operations in October 1971 with the launch of the Rohini-125 sounding rocket.

In 2002, the centre was renamed Satish Dhawan Space Centre in honor of former ISRO Chairman Satish Dhawan.

Current Role of Satish Dhawan Space Centre

SDSC serves as India’s primary launch base.

It supports missions related to,

• Remote sensing
• Communication satellites
• Navigation systems
• Scientific and interplanetary missions

It also caters to international commercial launches, boosting India’s space economy.

Significance of the Third Launch Pad

• The third launch pad will strengthen India’s position as a global space-launch hub.
• It supports future programmes like human spaceflight, large communication satellites, and deep-space missions.
• It enhances national security, technological self-reliance, and commercial competitiveness.

Key Takeaways

• ISRO plans a third launch pad at Shriharikota
• Expected to be commissioned in four years
• Needed for 12,000–14,000 kg satellites
• Spaceport covers 175 sq km
• SDSC began operations in 1971

Question

Q. ISRO’s proposed third launch pad will be developed at which location?

A. Thumba
B. Sriharikota
C. Mahendragiri
D. Bengaluru