Short Description
India’s ambitious plans to enhance its space capabilities take a giant leap with the approval of a new launch pad, aimed at supporting future human spaceflights.
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3 minutes 30 seconds
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On Thursday, India’s space agency, ISRO, announced a major milestone in its pursuit of expanding national space infrastructure. The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light for the construction of a third launch pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Valued at approximately Rs 3,984.8 crore, this groundbreaking facility is designed to bolster India’s space launch capabilities and is expected to play a vital role in future human spaceflight missions.
The TLP aims to enhance India’s existing launch framework, which currently includes only two operational pads. ISRO plans to introduce advanced technology here, enabling support for both the Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and the LVM3 with semi-cryogenic stages. According to government statements, this strategic expansion aligns with India’s long-term space aspirations, including plans to establish its own space station by 2035 and achieve a crewed lunar landing by 2040.
Former ISRO chairman S. Somanath highlighted the urgency and necessity of this project, stating that the current infrastructure could be at risk. With improvements on the second launch pad potentially leading to unexpected failures, the introduction of a third pad serves a dual purpose: redundancy and enhanced modernization. As ISRO prepares for more complex missions, the new facility is planned for completion within 48 months and is intended to accommodate the shift to horizontally integrated launch systems.
As India embarks on this ambitious venture, the emphasis on industry participation is paramount. Leveraging ISRO’s extensive experience, the TLP will be developed in coordination with key private players, ensuring that India continues to rise in the global space race. The focus on next-generation technology, particularly the liquid engine booster-based design, marks a significant evolution in ISRO’s capabilities. It’s this kind of forward-thinking investment that cements India’s position among the leading spacefaring nations.
Short Summary
In summary, the approval of a third launch pad by ISRO represents a pivotal development in India’s space program. This facility will not only support future human spaceflight missions but also significantly enhance India’s overall launch capacity, highlighting the nation’s growing ambitions in the space exploration arena. As India sets its sights on milestones like a space station by 2035 and a lunar landing by 2040, the investment in state-of-the-art launch infrastructure becomes crucial for sustained progress.
