Establishment of Third Launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota

Context

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a third launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This decision is a significant step to support ISRO's future space programs, particularly for the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) and advanced missions like human spaceflight.

SDSC is India’s sole spaceport and plays a critical role in India’s space endeavors. Operational since 1971, the spaceport is renowned for launching numerous indigenous satellites and missions, including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission.

Key Historical Background of SDSC

1. Inauguration and Early Operations

   • Became operational in 1971 with the launch of the Rohini-125 rocket.
   • Renamed in 2002 to honor Satish Dhawan, a pioneer in Indian space science.

2. Satish Dhawan’s Contributions

   • Early Life and Achievements:

     • Born in Srinagar, Dhawan was a renowned rocket scientist known as the 'Father of Experimental Fluid Dynamics' in India.
     • Made significant contributions to turbulence and boundary layer studies.

   • Leadership at ISRO:

     • Succeeded Vikram Sarabhai as ISRO Chairman in 1972.
     • Oversaw the development of key systems like:
       • INSAT: Telecommunications satellites.
       • IRS: Indian Remote Sensing satellites.
       • PSLV: The launch vehicle that elevated India to a global space power.

   • Legacy:

     • After his passing in 2002, the Sriharikota facility was renamed the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in recognition of his contributions.

Why Sriharikota Was Chosen as India’s Launch Site?

Strategic Considerations

• Proximity to the Equator:

  • Enables efficient launches of geostationary satellites, which need to orbit along the equatorial plane.

• East Coast Location:

  • Launching rockets eastward leverages Earth’s rotational speed, adding an extra 450 m/s of velocity to rockets, thus improving payload capacity.

• Safety Factors:

  • Sparse population and proximity to the sea ensure a safe flight path, with debris falling over the ocean.

Fast Execution

• 1968: Site survey and acquisition completed within months.
• ~40,000 acres of land were acquired at Sriharikota, demonstrating the efficiency and urgency of the initiative.

Details of the Third Launch Pad (TLP)

Purpose and Scope

• Designed for the Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs) and as a backup for the Second Launch Pad (SLP).
• Supports human spaceflight and exploration missions.

Key Features

1. Universal Design:

   • Accommodates vehicles like NGLVs, LVM3, and rockets with semicryogenic stages.
   • Scalable for future advanced configurations.

2. Project Timeline:

   • To be completed within 4 years.
   • Supports India’s space needs for the next 25-30 years.

3. Boost to India’s Space Ecosystem:

   • Enables higher launch frequencies.
   • Strengthens India’s capability in human space exploration and satellite deployment.

Existing Launch Infrastructure at SDSC

1. First Launch Pad (FLP):

   • Supports PSL and SSL vehicles.

2. Second Launch Pad (SLP):

   • Versatile, prepared for human-rated LVM3 missions such as Gaganyaan.

Conclusion

The Third Launch Pad (TLP) at SDSC is a vital step in advancing India’s space program. It reinforces ISRO’s ability to undertake complex missions, including human spaceflight, while addressing the growing demands of satellite launches. This move not only enhances India’s space infrastructure but also ensures that the country remains a global leader in space technology for decades to come.