India’s Space Ambitions Soar with Cabinet Nod For Setting Up Third Launch Pad In Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota At A Cost Of Rs 3,985 Crore

The Union Cabinet on Thursday (16 January) approved the setting up of a third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, Economic Times reported citing sources.

This decision is aimed at bolstering India’s space exploration infrastructure.

This development aligns with the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) plans to increase the frequency and scope of its space missions.

The new launch pad is expected to expand the operational capacity of SDSC, which presently houses two functional launch pads.

The third launch pad project is estimated to cost Rs 3,985 crore.

ISRO announced that post docking, control of two satellites as a single object was successful, with undocking and power transfer checks planned in coming days.

The SpaDeX mission, launched on 30 December 2024, aboard the PSLV C60, deployed two 220-kg satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), into a 475-km orbit.

This mission aims to demonstrate an economical approach to in-space docking, a vital technology for executing intricate, multi-launch missions.

The success of SpaDeX marks a significant step forward in advancing India’s space exploration potential.

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