Daily Current Affairs : 17-January-2025

The Union Cabinet of India, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This new infrastructure will play a crucial role in enhancing India’s space capabilities for the future.

What is the Third Launch Pad (TLP)?

The Third Launch Pad is an advanced launch facility designed to support the upcoming generation of India’s space missions. It will primarily cater to the Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs), but it will also act as a backup for the existing Second Launch Pad (SLP). The TLP is expected to be a key component in India’s long-term space exploration plans, enhancing the nation’s ability to carry out a range of missions.

Key features of the Third Launch Pad:

  • It will be used for launching NGLVs and LVM3 vehicles.
  • It will support human spaceflight missions, such as the Gaganyaan mission.
  • It is aimed at boosting India’s space exploration capabilities for the next 25 to 30 years.
Location: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota

The TLP will be located at the SDSC in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, a hub for India’s space activities. The site is well-suited for space missions due to its proximity to the equator, which allows rockets to take advantage of the Earth’s rotation for efficient launches.

The Role of Existing Launch Pads

First Launch Pad (FLP):

  • It was primarily designed for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and also supports the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
  • The FLP has been the foundation of India’s space transportation, contributing to the country’s early satellite launches.

Second Launch Pad (SLP):

  • This pad is dedicated to the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and LVM3 rockets.
  • The SLP has supported key missions like Chandrayaan-3 and is being prepared for human-rated launches under the Gaganyaan mission.
Important Points:
  • The Union Cabinet of India approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
  • The TLP is designed to support Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs) and serve as a backup for the Second Launch Pad (SLP).
  • It will aid in launching NGLVs, LVM3 vehicles, and human spaceflight missions like Gaganyaan.
  • The Third Launch Pad aims to enhance India’s space capabilities for the next 25-30 years.
  • Location: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, which is ideal for space launches due to its proximity to the equator.
  • The First Launch Pad (FLP) was designed for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and also supports the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
  • FLP has been crucial in India’s early satellite launches and space transportation.
  • The Second Launch Pad (SLP) is dedicated to launching Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and LVM3.
  • SLP has supported major missions like Chandrayaan-3 and is preparing for human-rated launches under the Gaganyaan mission.
  • The Third Launch Pad will play a key role in expanding India’s space exploration capabilities and preparing for future missions.
Why In News

The Union Cabinet of India, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant step in advancing India’s space exploration capabilities for the future. This new facility will play a vital role in supporting upcoming space missions and enhancing the nation’s space infrastructure.

MCQs about India’s Third Launch Pad
  1. What is the primary purpose of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre?
    A. To support only commercial satellite launches
    B. To support Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs) and human spaceflight missions
    C. To replace the First Launch Pad (FLP)
    D. To support only Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLV)
    Correct Answer: B. To support Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs) and human spaceflight missions
    Explanation: The TLP is designed to support NGLVs, LVM3 vehicles, and human spaceflight missions like Gaganyaan, which will enhance India’s space capabilities.
  2. Where is the Third Launch Pad (TLP) located?
    A. Bengaluru
    B. Sriharikota
    C. New Delhi
    D. Mumbai
    Correct Answer: B. Sriharikota
    Explanation: The Third Launch Pad (TLP) will be located at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, which is ideal for space launches due to its proximity to the equator.
  3. What is the role of the Second Launch Pad (SLP)?
    A. To launch human space missions only
    B. To support Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
    C. To launch Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and LVM3 rockets
    D. To support small satellite missions exclusively
    Correct Answer: C. To launch Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and LVM3 rockets
    Explanation: The Second Launch Pad (SLP) is used to launch GSLV and LVM3 rockets and has supported missions like Chandrayaan-3.

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