ISRO’s Third Launch Pad: A Gateway to next-generation rockets

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As India’s space mission continues to grow in both scale and ambition, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to establish a third launch pad at its facility in Sriharikota. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath noted that currently, only the second launch pad is operational. The first pad was designed specifically for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and is not suitable for the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) due to its inability to accommodate the cryogenic stage. With the introduction of the LVM-3, modifications were made to the second launch pad, which will now also support a semi-cryo stage, essential for the upcoming human spaceflight missions. Somanath emphasized that the second launch pad has seen numerous enhancements over the last twenty years, and he expressed concern that if an incident were to occur at this pad, such as an explosion, there would be no alternative launch pad available for the GSLV, potentially halting all related programs.

The third launch pad serves as a backup and will support the New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which will be integrated horizontally and tilted rather than vertically. This requires specific modifications, including a redesign of the jet deflector, as the NGLV will use liquid engine boosters instead of solid ones. All stage testing will occur at this facility instead of Mahendragiri. Project director Somanath highlighted that the new three-stage rocket with a reusable first stage aims to reduce launch costs and meet future demands, targeting a payload capacity of 20 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 9 tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). He noted that achieving these goals involves trade-offs, such as the need for significant fuel to return to the launch site, which impacts payload capacity.

He stated that the initial recovery efforts should be conducted on land due to the high costs associated with sea-based recovery and the lack of readily available platforms for such operations. Once confidence in the process is established, the transition to sea recovery can occur, which allows for a greater payload capacity. Regarding the reusability of the NGLV,  while both vertical and horizontal landing methods are feasible, the first stage must utilize a horizontal landing or a wing-body supported vertical landing approach. The National Space Commission approved the establishment of the launch pad during its 153rd meeting, which took place prior to the Cabinet meeting on September 18 that authorized four significant space initiatives: Chandrayaan-4, the NGLV, the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), and the creation of the first module of India’s own space station. This proposal will be presented to the government by ISRO for final approval.