Union Cabinet Approves Establishment of ‘Third Launch Pad’ (TLP) Project

 Union Cabinet Approves Establishment of ‘Third Launch Pad’ (TLP) Project

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the ‘Third Launch Pad’ (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre of ISRO, located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

About the TLP:

• Key Features:
  • The TLP will be configured to support the launch of New Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) with a semi-cryogenic stage.
  • It will facilitate both horizontal and tilted integration of new NGLVs.
• Significance:
  • The TLP will enable higher launch frequencies and enhance launch capacity for future human spaceflight and space exploration missions.

Existing Launch Pads in India:

• ISRO currently operates two launch pads at Sriharikota: the First Launch Pad (FLP) and the Second Launch Pad (SLP).
  • FLP: Originally developed for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), it continues to support PSLV and SSLV launches.
  • SLP: Primarily built for GSLV and LVM3, it also serves as a backup for PSLV. It has been used for missions like Chandrayaan-3 and is set to launch the Gaganyaan missions.

Reasons for Selecting Sriharikota for the TLP:

• Strategic Location: Situated on the eastern coast, Sriharikota allows launches in an easterly direction, taking advantage of the Earth's rotation.
• Proximity to the Equator: This location provides launch vehicles with a boost due to the higher rotational speed of the Earth at the equator, resulting in increased payload capacity and reduced operational costs.
• Safety Considerations: The area is not intersected by major international maritime or airline routes, ensuring safe testing and launches.
• Other Factors: The region is largely uninhabited and located near the sea, which ensures that launch vehicle flight paths remain over the ocean, further enhancing safety.

New Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) Programme:

• Overview: ISRO’s NGLV programme aims to develop a new rocket, also known as the Soorya Rocket, designed to launch satellites, spacecraft, and other payloads.
• Features:
• The NGLV will be a three-stage vehicle with a reusable first stage, resulting in cost-effective access to space.
• It will utilize semi-cryogenic propulsion, using refined kerosene as fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer.
• The new vehicle will have three times the payload capacity of the current LVM3, while reducing costs by 1.5 times.

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