Isro NEW DELHI: Isro has started the process to develop a third launchpad at the Sriharikota spaceport as it gears up for future launches of heavy satellites.The agency is currently identifying right vendors for it, a senior scientist said. To move ahead with its plan of placing bigger satellites, weighing over 12,000-14,000 kg, in various orbits in space, Isro requires bigger launch vehicles, Padmakumar ES, director and distinguished scientist of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, said. To serve this purpose, Isro is planning a third launchpad, he said. “We plan to develop, install and commission a third launchpad in four years. Activities are going on for that,” he recently told the media.On Jan 16, 2025, the Union cabinet had approved the establishment of the third launchpad (TLP) at the Sriharikota launch complex, spread over about 175 sq km and located around 135 km east of Chennai. Worth Rs 3,984.8 crore, the launchpad project is targeted for completion within four years, with full operational readiness projected by March 2029. Critical milestones include civil works by May 2028, fluid and propellant systems by July 2028, and launch facility integration by Sept 2028.The TLP will cater to Next Generation Launch Vehicles and will support as standby launchpad for the existing two launchpads — first launchpad (serving PSLV and SSLV missions since 1993) and second launchpad (operational since 2003 for GSLV and LVM3 missions), significantly expanding launch frequency and redundancy.The TLP will be realised with maximum industry participation fully utilising Isro’s experience in establishing earlier launchpads and maximally sharing existing launch complex facilities. It will position India among leading spacefaring nations with advanced infrastructure capable of supporting next-generation rockets. This has far-reaching implications for commercial launch services, space exploration and international partnerships.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKhaleda Zia’s funeral: EAM Jaishankar Hands Over Modi’s Letter To BNP Chief Tarique Rahman In DhakaThrowback 25: Five Indian Weapons That Crushed Terror And Dominated Pakistan in Operation SindoorTerror, Tariffs, Polls: PM Modi’s Mic-Drop Moments That Set The Agenda In 2025Top Moments Of 2025 When Indian Diplomats Took On Pakistan, Tore Apart Lies & Hypocrisy At UNThrowback 2025: Five Big Moments When India Defied Pressure And Delivered Diplomatic MasterstrokesAyodhya Faced Conspiracies But Sanatan Prevailed, UP CM Yogi Adityanath Says At Ram Temple EventIndia’s Backyard In Flux: Nepal’s Gen Z Revolt To Pakistan’s Court Chaos Shakes South Asia In 2025Army Trains Village Defence Guards In J&K In Automatic Rifles, Self-Defence | WatchLeT Deputy Saifullah Kasuri Admits India Hit Terror Camps, Threatens Kashmir After Op Sindoor StrikeTwist in Osman Hadi Murder Case: Prime Accused Blames Jamaat From Dubai, Clears India’s Role123Photostories10 South Indian breads that are so soulfulWalking through 2025: The year we put our best foot forwardSkip the crowds in 2026: 10 offbeat destinations in India for New Year travel5 relationship habits to inculcate in 2026 to make it the best year of your lifeFrom soldier to supermodel: 5 looks that made BTS’ V the ultimate fashion muse of 20258 traditional Bengali snacks that are best enjoyed during winterCustard apple: 5 benefits of this creamy seasonal fruit5 common foods that are unhealthy and their alternative usesMalala Yousafzai once said, “If we want to achieve our goal, then let us…”: 5 lessons it teaches studentsHrithik Roshan’s girlfriend Saba Azad’s luxe choga suit is the traditional trend to watch this season123Hot PicksSaudi Strike YemenPAN-Aadhaar link statusBank holiday New YearGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJustin Thomas Net WorthWWE Star Nikki BellaCardi BCeeDee Lamb Luxury Car CollectionStefon DiggsCaitlin ClarkMatthew Stafford vs Drake MVPWest Bengal SIR DeathJake Paul and Jutta Leerdam Net WorthWorld Fourth Largest Economy
NEW DELHI: Isro has started the process to develop a third launchpad at the Sriharikota spaceport as it gears up for future launches of heavy satellites.The agency is currently identifying right vendors for it, a senior scientist said. To move ahead with its plan of placing bigger satellites, weighing over 12,000-14,000 kg, in various orbits in space, Isro requires bigger launch vehicles, Padmakumar ES, director and distinguished scientist of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, said. To serve this purpose, Isro is planning a third launchpad, he said. “We plan to develop, install and commission a third launchpad in four years. Activities are going on for that,” he recently told the media.On Jan 16, 2025, the Union cabinet had approved the establishment of the third launchpad (TLP) at the Sriharikota launch complex, spread over about 175 sq km and located around 135 km east of Chennai. Worth Rs 3,984.8 crore, the launchpad project is targeted for completion within four years, with full operational readiness projected by March 2029. Critical milestones include civil works by May 2028, fluid and propellant systems by July 2028, and launch facility integration by Sept 2028.The TLP will cater to Next Generation Launch Vehicles and will support as standby launchpad for the existing two launchpads — first launchpad (serving PSLV and SSLV missions since 1993) and second launchpad (operational since 2003 for GSLV and LVM3 missions), significantly expanding launch frequency and redundancy.The TLP will be realised with maximum industry participation fully utilising Isro’s experience in establishing earlier launchpads and maximally sharing existing launch complex facilities. It will position India among leading spacefaring nations with advanced infrastructure capable of supporting next-generation rockets. This has far-reaching implications for commercial launch services, space exploration and international partnerships.
