Cabinet gives nod to third launch pad at Shriharikota to boost India’s space missions

In a significant move to strengthen India’s space exploration capabilities, the Union Cabinet on Thursday approved setting up of the third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Shriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The decision comes as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) prepares to ramp up its space missions. The third launch pad is expected to enhance the capacity of SDSC, which currently operates two active launch pads.

The new facility is set to cater the Next-Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs) and supporting critical future missions, including human spaceflight programs.


The launch pad will feature infrastructure enhancements for LVM3 launches, additional capacity for Gaganyaan missions, and scalable support for India’s aspirations for a crewed lunar landing. The project is estimated to cost Rs 3,985 crore and is scheduled for completion within 48 months.

Key components of the TLP include:

• 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.
• The TLP will be co-located with the second launch pad (SLP), maximizing the use of existing infrastructure. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for satellite launches and strengthen India’s position in the global space economy.

Meanwhile, ISRO on Thursday successfully demonstrated satellite docking as part of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), marking India as the fourth country to achieve this feat after the US, Russia, and China. ISRO announced that post-docking, the control of the two satellites as a single object was successful, with undocking and power transfer tests planned in the coming days.

Launched on December 30, 2024, aboard PSLV C60, SpaDeX involved two 220-kg satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), placed in a 475-km orbit. The mission aims to showcase cost-effective in-space docking, a critical technology for complex, multi-launch missions. This success paves the way for future advancements in India’s space exploration capabilities.