Archive · 28 Dec 2025
ISRO Plans Third Launch Pad
ISRO, which is India's space agency, wants to build a new launch pad at Shriharikota.
This is because they need bigger rockets to send very heavy satellites into space.
These satellites can weigh as much as 12,000 to 14,000 kg.
A scientist from ISRO said they plan to finish this new launch pad in about 4 years.
Right now, they have two launch pads, but they need a third one to handle these bigger missions.
The new launch pad will also be used for both crewed and uncrewed missions.
ISRO is currently identifying the right vendors to support this mega project.
They also have another facility in Kulasekarapattinam for launching smaller satellites.
ISRO plans to commission a third launch pad at Shriharikota in 4 years.
The new launch pad is necessary to accommodate heavier satellites weighing 12,000-14,000 kg.
ISRO currently has two launch pads at Shriharikota.
Padmakumar ES, Director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, announced the plan.
The new launch pad will support ISRO's goal of placing bigger satellites in various orbits and will be used for both crewed and uncrewed missions.
- Who
- ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization)
- What
- Plans to commission a third launch pad at Shriharikota
- When
- Within 4 years
- Where
- Shriharikota, India
- Why
- To launch heavier satellites weighing 12,000-14,000 kg and support next-generation launch vehicles
Proponents of Expansion
Critics of Expansion
Need for Larger Launch Vehicles
Proponents of Expansion
ISRO needs a third launch pad to accommodate heavier satellites (12,000-14,000 kg) and next-generation launch vehicles.
Critics of Expansion
Critics argue that the current infrastructure is sufficient and that the investment could be better spent on other space missions.
Utilization of New Launch Pad
Proponents of Expansion
The new launch pad will support both crewed and uncrewed missions, expanding ISRO's capabilities.
Critics of Expansion
Some critics question the necessity of a third launch pad, suggesting that the existing pads could be upgraded instead.
- Organization
- ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization)
- Location
- Shriharikota, India
- Current Launch Pads
- 2
- Planned Launch Pad
- 1 (Third)
- Timeframe
- 4 years
- Objective
- Launch heavier satellites (12,000-14,000 kg)
- Spokesperson
- Padmakumar ES, Director and Distinguished Scientist of Satish Dhawan Space Centre
- Launch Vehicles
- Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3)
- Next-Generation Launch Vehicles
- Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV)
- Kulasekarapattinam Facility
- Used for Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs)
