The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has granted approval for the construction of a third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Announced on January 16, 2025, the project has been allocated a budget of ₹3,984.86 crore and is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) infrastructure and readiness for future space missions, particularly those involving human spaceflight and advanced scientific exploration. The new launch pad is specifically designed to support ISRO’s Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs) and will also act as a backup facility for the Second Launch Pad (SLP), ensuring increased reliability and flexibility in India’s space programs. The project, which is slated for completion within the next four years, will include several state-of-the-art facilities such as a jet deflector, a launch tower, storage units for various propellants, and specialized systems to handle liquid methane and cryogenic fuels.

Apart from being a key component of ISRO’s strategy for future human spaceflight missions, the third launch pad will also accommodate the heavier rockets of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) series. According to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, this new infrastructure is crucial for increasing the frequency of launches and achieving ISRO’s ambitious long-term goals. These include establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (India’s own space station) by 2035 and executing a human-crewed lunar landing mission by 2040.

The third launch pad’s design prioritizes adaptability and scalability, ensuring it can meet the evolving demands of future space exploration projects. It marks a critical upgrade to India’s space program, which currently operates two launch pads at Sriharikota. The First Launch Pad (FLP), established over 30 years ago, is primarily used for smaller launch vehicles like the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). The Second Launch Pad (SLP), operational for nearly two decades, has been used for heavier rockets like the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the LVM3.

This development is seen as a landmark decision in strengthening India’s space infrastructure and ensuring the country’s readiness to handle increased launch activities. It also reflects India’s growing commitment to becoming a global leader in space technology and exploration, cementing ISRO’s position on the international stage. With this new facility, India aims to enhance its space capabilities and contribute significantly to scientific advancements and space-based research.

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