Daily Current Affairs : 20-January-2025

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This approval marks a significant step in India’s space exploration capabilities and supports the country’s growing ambitions in space missions.

The Need for the Third Launch Pad

India’s space agency, ISRO, currently operates two launch pads: the First Launch Pad (FLP) and the Second Launch Pad (SLP). These pads have been instrumental in launching a variety of missions. However, as the country’s space missions become more complex and ambitious, additional launch infrastructure is required to accommodate heavier spacecraft and to support more frequent launches.

  • The Third Launch Pad will have the capacity to handle spacecraft weighing up to 30,000 tonnes in low Earth orbit.
  • This new pad will be designed to support advanced vehicles, such as the NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle) and LVM3 vehicles equipped with semi-cryogenic stages, as well as scaled-up configurations of NGLV.
Existing Launch Pads and Their Roles
  • First Launch Pad (FLP): Primarily used for PSLV launches, FLP has also supported SSLV missions.
  • Second Launch Pad (SLP): This pad was set up to support the heavier GSLV and LVM3 rockets. It also served as a backup for PSLV missions. SLP was responsible for the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission and is preparing for future missions like Gaganyaan.
Future Vision for India’s Space Program

India has ambitious plans for its space future. The vision includes a Crewed Lunar Landing by 2040 and the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035. These missions require larger and more powerful launch vehicles, which the existing pads cannot accommodate.

To meet these demands, the construction of the Third Launch Pad is essential. Additionally, India has also laid the foundation for a second rocket launchport in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu. This new site will cater to commercial, on-demand launches and small satellite missions while avoiding potential conflicts over Sri Lanka airspace.

Important Points:

Here are the key bullet points from the essay:

  • Approval for Third Launch Pad: The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
  • Launch Pad Capacity: The TLP will handle spacecraft weighing up to 30,000 tonnes in low Earth orbit.
  • Support for Advanced Vehicles: It will support NGLV, LVM3 vehicles with semi-cryogenic stages, and scaled-up NGLV configurations.
  • Existing Launch Pads:
    • First Launch Pad (FLP): Supports PSLV and SSLV launches.
    • Second Launch Pad (SLP): Primarily for GSLV and LVM3; served as backup for PSLV and launched Chandrayaan-3.
  • Future Space Missions:
    • India’s vision includes a Crewed Lunar Landing by 2040 and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035, requiring larger launch vehicles.
  • Second Rocket Launchport: A foundation stone for ISRO’s second launchport in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, was laid in 2024 to support commercial, on-demand, and small satellite launches.
  • Importance for Space Infrastructure: The Third Launch Pad will enhance India’s space exploration capabilities and support future ambitious missions.
Why In News

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India’s first launchport, with the second launchport being located in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu. This expansion is a significant step in strengthening India’s space infrastructure and supporting its growing space ambitions.

MCQs about India’s Third Launch Pad
  1. Where will the Third Launch Pad (TLP) be established?
    A. Mumbai, Maharashtra
    B. Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
    C. Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu
    D. Bengaluru, Karnataka
    Correct Answer: B. Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
    Explanation: The Third Launch Pad will be established at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, which is India’s first launchport.
  2. Which missions is the Second Launch Pad (SLP) primarily designed to support?
    A. PSLV and SSLV
    B. GSLV and LVM3
    C. Commercial satellite launches
    D. Crewed Lunar Landing
    Correct Answer: B. GSLV and LVM3
    Explanation: The Second Launch Pad (SLP) was primarily set up to support the GSLV and LVM3 rockets. It has also been a backup for PSLV launches.
  3. What is India’s long-term space vision by 2040?
    A. Launching a commercial space station
    B. Crewed Lunar Landing
    C. Launching a new satellite constellation
    D. Building a second launchport
    Correct Answer: B. Crewed Lunar Landing
    Explanation: India’s long-term space vision includes a Crewed Lunar Landing by 2040 and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035, requiring larger launch vehicles that the existing pads cannot accommodate.

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