New Launchpad of ISRO Coming Up at Sriharikota

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a third launchpad at ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The project, costing ₹3,985 crore, is a critical step in enhancing India’s space transportation capabilities, especially for the Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs). This launchpad is designed to support future human spaceflight missions and India’s ambitious plans for space exploration, including an Indian crewed lunar landing by 2040.

Key Highlights of the Project

Approval Details

• Approved on 16th January, 2025 by the Union Cabinet.
• Total cost: ₹3,985 crore.
• Completion timeline: 4 years.

Location and Purpose

• To be established at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
• Designed to handle heavier Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs).
• Will also act as a standby to the second launchpad.

Capabilities

• Support for payloads up to 30,000 tonnes to low Earth orbit (LEO), compared to the current limit of 8,000 tonnes.
• Scaled-up NGLV configurations can haul up to 70 tonnes to LEO.
• Compatible with LVM3 (GSLV Mk III) and semi-cryogenic stage vehicles.

Industrial Participation

• High industry participation to maximize expertise and resources.
• Utilization of ISRO’s existing infrastructure and knowledge.

Strategic Importance

• Boosts India’s standing in the global space economy.
• Enhances frequency of launches for national, commercial, and human spaceflight missions.
• Supports India’s space exploration missions, including:
• Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035.
• Indian crewed lunar landing by 2040.

Current Limitations

The first and second launchpads are operational but insufficient for evolving space requirements.

• First Launchpad: Built 30 years ago, primarily for PSLV and SSLV missions.
• Second Launchpad: Operational for 20 years, supports GSLV, LVM3, and commercial launches.
• Both are insufficient for handling future NGLVs with higher payload capacities.

Future Aspirations

• Expansion aligns with India’s vision to scale up its space transportation infrastructure for the next 25-30 years.
• The new launchpad will strengthen the capacity to conduct human spaceflight missions, including Gaganyaan.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	New Launchpad of ISRO Coming Up at Sriharikota
Project Cost	₹3,985 crore
Location	Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
Purpose	To support Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs) and human spaceflight missions
Payload Capacity	Up to 30,000 tonnes to LEO (scalable to 70 tonnes for NGLVs)
Industry Participation	Significant, leveraging ISRO’s expertise and infrastructure
Completion Timeline	4 years
Key Missions Supported	Gaganyaan, BAS (2035), Indian crewed lunar landing (2040)
Existing Launchpads	First: PSLV/SSLV support (30 years old) Second: GSLV/LVM3 (20 years old)
Strategic Benefits	Boost launch frequency, support heavier vehicles, expand India’s role in global space economy
Long-Term Vision	Scale space transportation for the next 25-30 years