Cabinet approves ₹3,984.86 crore Third Launch Pad at Sriharikota
The Union Cabinet on 16 January 2025 approved a Third Launch Pad at ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at a cost of ₹3,984.86 crore, to be built within 48 months.
Summary
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 16 January 2025 approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at a total cost of ₹3,984.86 crore. The TLP will serve ISRO's Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV), act as a standby for the Second Launch Pad, and support LVM3 with a semicryogenic stage. It is targeted for completion within 48 months, with maximum industry participation. India currently relies on two launch pads: the First Launch Pad, built 30 years ago for PSLV, and the Second Launch Pad, operational for almost 20 years. The release links the TLP to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and an Indian crewed lunar landing by 2040.
Key facts
- Approved
- 16 January 2025, Union Cabinet
- Location
- Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
- Cost
- ₹3,984.86 crore
- Timeline
- 48 months (4 years)
- Purpose
- Next Generation Launch Vehicles; standby for Second Launch Pad
- Long-term goals
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035; crewed lunar landing by 2040
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What is the approved cost of the Third Launch Pad at Sriharikota, cleared by the Cabinet on 16 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — ₹3,984.86 crore
PIB (Cabinet): the total fund requirement is ₹3,984.86 crore, including the launch pad and associated facilities.
Within what period is the Third Launch Pad at Sriharikota targeted to be established?
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Correct answer: C — 48 months
PIB: the TLP is targeted to be established within 48 months, or 4 years.
Consider the following statements about India's launch pads as per the Cabinet's Third Launch Pad decision (January 2025): 1. The First Launch Pad was realised about 30 years ago for PSLV and also supports SSLV. 2. The Second Launch Pad is being readied to launch the human-rated LVM3 for Gaganyaan. 3. The Third Launch Pad is meant primarily for SSLV launches. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB: the FLP was realised 30 years ago for PSLV and supports PSLV and SSLV; the SLP is getting ready for the human-rated LVM3 for Gaganyaan. The TLP is for Next Generation Launch Vehicles and as a standby for the SLP, not mainly for SSLV.