India’s space ambitions are set to take a major step forward as the national space agency begins groundwork for a new launch facility at its Sriharikota spaceport.
The Indian Space Research Organisation has initiated plans to build a third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, a project expected to take about 4 years to construct, install and become operational. Scientists say the expansion is critical as ISRO prepares for next generation launch vehicles capable of placing satellites weighing more than 12,000 kg to 14,000 kg into various orbits.
The upcoming facility will play a key role in supporting future heavy satellites and advancing India’s human spaceflight programme. According to officials, the new launch pad will strengthen ISRO’s ability to handle crewed and uncrewed missions while accommodating larger and more powerful rockets.
As per a report by a news agency, ISRO is currently in the procurement phase and has started identifying vendors for the large scale project. Padmakumar ES, Director and Distinguished Scientist at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, said planning and development activities are already underway, with emphasis on infrastructure creation and technical systems required for the new pad.
Sriharikota, located about 135 km east of Chennai and spread across nearly 175 sq km, has been the backbone of India’s space launch operations for decades. The spaceport has supported the launch of numerous satellites for communication, navigation, remote sensing and scientific missions using multiple launch vehicles for both domestic and international clients.
The proposed third launch pad is expected to anchor ISRO’s roadmap for future missions. While existing launch pads currently support PSLV, GSLV and LVM3 missions, rising payload demands and upcoming vehicles have made additional infrastructure necessary.
ISRO has continuously upgraded its launch facilities since operations began in 1971. The centre was renamed Satish Dhawan Space Centre in 2002. With the planned third launch pad, the agency aims to increase launch capacity, improve turnaround time and strengthen India’s position in the global space sector.
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