India has long been a player in the space industry, with the ISRO making groundbreaking strides in satellite launches, space exploration, and even human spaceflight. The recent Cabinet approval for the construction of a third launch pad at Sriharikota is a significant step forward in India’s ambitions to not only maintain its competitive edge but also enhance its global presence in the ever-evolving space economy. At a projected cost of Rs 3,985 crore, the new pad is set to play a crucial role in bolstering ISRO’s capacity to handle heavier spacecraft, support more frequent launches, and drive forward missions aimed at greater exploration, including the ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and even a potential lunar mission.
Currently, India’s space programs rely heavily on two launch pads at Sriharikota, which have supported the nation’s successful satellite launches and interplanetary missions. The first pad, built three decades ago, primarily serves the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. In contrast, the second pad, which has been operating for nearly 20 years, supports the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle and the heavier LVM3. The introduction of a third pad is crucial for addressing the constraints and scaling up India’s space operations. With the growing demand for more complex missions, such as launching heavier spacecraft and carrying out human spaceflight, ISRO needs infrastructure that can handle larger payloads and allow for multiple launches to be carried out in parallel. The new pad will be designed to launch spacecraft weighing up to 30,000 tonnes into low Earth orbit, a significant increase from the current capacity of 8,000 tonnes. This leap in capability is especially important as India seeks to increase its share of the global space economy, which is expected to grow rapidly in the coming decades.
India’s space ambitions extend far beyond merely launching satellites into orbit. The construction of the third launch pad is a vital component of ISRO’s vision for the future, which includes the development of a space station, a manned mission to the moon, and enhanced participation in global space exploration efforts. These initiatives will require an extensive and reliable launch infrastructure capable of supporting heavier payloads and more frequent missions. The proposed third pad will support the Next Generation Launch Vehicle, which is poised to become ISRO’s most powerful rocket to date. Standing at an impressive 91 meters, the NGLV will be able to carry a payload of up to 70 tonnes into LEO, a capability that positions ISRO as a strong contender in the highly competitive global space industry.
Beyond its scientific and technological significance, the establishment of the third launch pad is expected to have a profound impact on India’s economy. The space industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, and India is already well-positioned to capitalise on this trend. With the new launch pad, ISRO can boost its commercial launch capabilities, attracting more international clients and creating new revenue streams, including commercial satellite launches. The project will also encourage ISRO’s collaboration with private players, which is expected to lead to the development of cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that will drive India’s space economy forward. Furthermore, the increased space activity could result in the creation of new jobs, from rocket engineers to support staff for space missions, contributing to the overall economic growth of the country.
India’s space program has always been characterised by ambition, innovation, and cost-effectiveness. The approval for a third launch pad signals a new chapter in this journey, one that will require careful planning, execution, and coordination with industry partners. The new pad is set to be completed within four years, a timeline that reflects the urgency of India’s space aspirations. As India aims higher and further into the cosmos, this new launch pad will be instrumental in shaping the future of space exploration, providing the necessary infrastructure for missions that will define the country’s space legacy for years to come.
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