Context: The Union Cabinet approved setting up of Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Shriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about India’s Launch Pads.
ISRO’s Third Launch Pad (TLP)
- The new launch pad will be built at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.
- Expenditure involved: Rs. 3985 Crore for the launch pad and the associated facilities.
- Estimated duration of establishment: 48 months or 4 years.
- Utility:
- TLP is designed to have universal configuration, such that it can support:
- NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle) and scaled up configurations of NGLV.
- LVM3 vehicles with semicryogenic stages.
- It will also act as a standby launch pad for the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota.
- TLP is designed to have universal configuration, such that it can support:
- TLP will be co-located with the second launch pad (SLP), maximising the use of existing infrastructure.
Key components of TLP
- Jet deflector systems, launch towers, and lightning suppression systems.
- Propellant storage and servicing facilities for liquid methane and cryogenic fuels.
- Advanced range systems, instrumentation, and electronic support facilities.
Significance of TLP
- Launch heavier launch vehicles like NGLV, required for future Indian human spaceflight missions, Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 & an Indian Crewed Lunar Landing by 2040 etc.
- Boost Indian Space ecosystem by enabling higher launch frequencies. Meet the growing demand for satellite launches and strengthen India’s position in the global space economy.
India’s Launch Pads
- Presently, Indian Space Transportation Systems are completely reliant on two launch pads viz. First Launch Pad (FLP) & Second Launch Pad (SLP).
- First Launch Pad:
- FLP was realised 30 years ago for PSLV, and continues to provide launch support for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) & Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
- Second Launch Pad:
- SLP was established primarily for Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) & Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3), and also functions as standby for PSLV.
- SLP has been operational for almost 20 years and has enhanced the launch capacity towards enabling some commercial missions of PSLV/LVM3, along with the national missions including the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
- SLP is getting ready to launch the human rated LVM3 for the Gaganyaan missions.
- Third Launch Pad:
- TLP is needed to launch NGLV, a new generation of heavier launch vehicles with new propulsion systems, which cannot be met by the existing launch pads.