- Investment: ₹3,985 crore (approx. $480 million).
- Location: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
- Chaired by: PM Narendra Modi
- Target Completion: The project is targeted to be established within 48 months (4 years) from the approval date.
- Primary Purpose: To enhance India’s launch frequency and cater to the new generation of heavier launch vehicles and human spaceflight.
✨ Designed for the Future
The TLP is being built with advanced features to support India’s long-term space vision:
- Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): It is specifically designed to handle the heavier and more powerful NGLV, which will use modular, reusable stages and new propulsion systems (like semi-cryogenic stages using LOX/Kerosene).
- The NGLV is expected to have a payload capacity of up to 30,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- Human Spaceflight: It will be essential for future crewed missions, including the Gaganyaan program and the eventual support for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035.
- Redundancy: The TLP will serve as a crucial backup for the existing Second Launch Pad (SLP), ensuring continuity of launch operations in case of maintenance or an anomaly on one pad.
- Launch Flexibility: It is being designed for maximum adaptability, supporting both the NGLV and the upgraded LVM3 (GSLV Mk III) with a semi-cryogenic stage.
This expansion aligns with India’s ambitious space roadmap, which includes the goal of an Indian crewed lunar landing by 2040.