The Indian government has announced that a third satellite launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota is scheduled to be fully commissioned by March 2029, marking a significant step in expanding the country’s space launch capabilities.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on August 6, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed that financial approval for the project was granted in March 2025. Since then, key groundwork has been completed, including geotechnical investigations and a topographical survey, both finished by May this year.
According to the minister, the process of evaluating bids for initial infrastructure work, such as road construction and electrical systems, is currently underway.
Key Project Milestones
The establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) is structured around four major milestones:
- Civil works completion by May 2028
- Fluid systems and propellant storage facilities ready by July 2028
- Launch pad systems installation by September 2028
- Final commissioning of the launch pad by March 2029
The new facility is intended to bolster India’s satellite launch infrastructure, particularly as the country scales up operations in both government-led and commercial space missions.
Partnership with Private Sector
The government also highlighted its commitment to collaborating with Indian private firms and MSMEs for the project. These partners will be selected through a transparent tendering process in alignment with the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.
This move aligns with India’s broader goal to increase private participation in the space sector and reduce reliance on imports, especially in critical technology areas.
Once operational, the third launch pad will enhance ISRO’s capacity to support a growing number of space missions, including those from domestic commercial players and international collaborations.
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