PM Modi Approves ₹3,985 Crore Third Launch Pad at Sriharikota for Next Generation Space Missions

Jan 16, 2025, 09:50 AM

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This new facility, costing ₹3,985 crore, aims to enhance India's space exploration infrastructure and support the upcoming Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV). The project is expected to be completed within 48 months and will serve as a crucial backup for the existing Second Launch Pad, increasing India's capacity for future human spaceflight missions. The launch pad will accommodate various configurations, including the NGLV and LVM3 vehicles, with a focus on maximizing industry participation. This development comes as India prepares for more ambitious projects like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and potential crewed lunar missions by 2040.