ISRO’s Sriharikota Spaceport currently has two launch pads. But it has made preparations to build a third launch pad. From this launch pad, those rockets will be launched which will be necessary for other planets and human spaceflight. Like- NGLV rocket. Many types of missions will be carried out through this. This rocket will be assembled by laying it on the launch pad itself.
India’s space technology, size, and vision are all increasing. Indian Space Research Organization i.e. ISRO has made full preparations for this. To build a third launch pad preparations have been made at Satish Dhawan Space Centre located in Sriharikota. ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somnath revealed this in an interview given to an English newspaper.
Dr. Somnath told that at present we have only the second launch pad. The first launch pad was built only for the PSLV rocket. We cannot launch a GSLV rocket from it. Because it is not a launch pad suitable for the cryogenic stage. When we got the LVM-3 rocket. Then we re-engineered the second launch pad.
Now LVM-3 has a semi-cryo stage. The initial human spaceflight will take place from this launch pad. That means the initial launches of Gaganyaan will take place from the second launch pad. We have been continuously upgrading and updating this launch pad for the last 20 years. The danger is that if there is an explosion on this launch pad, then we do not have any other launch pad for launching GSLV. This will stop all the missions of ISRO.
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Why is the third launch pad needed?
The ISRO chief said that the third launch pad is being built as a new, modern and backup plan because we are moving towards the new rocket NGLV i.e. Next Generation Launch Vehicle. This rocket will be assembled by laying it down. Then it will be made to stand up in a crooked manner. Like SpaceX rockets.
It will not be assembled vertically. Therefore, we need a launch pad where we can lay the rocket down, assemble it, and then straighten it back. We can launch it again from here. Therefore, we need a launch pad that can support this technology. NGLV will have more liquid engine boosters. The jet deflector design will also change.
Jet deflector means a way to safely remove the smoke and fire that comes out at the time of launch under the launch pad. Testing of all stages will also be done here. Mahendragiri Center will not be needed for this. Therefore, it is important for this launch pad to be more advanced. Many things will be accomplished from a single launch pad.
What will be in the NGLV rocket…
NGLV will be a three-stage rocket. Its first stage is reusable i.e. it will be used again. Just like the first stage of SpaceX’s Falcon rocket comes back. Just like that. This rocket will be very economical. This is also the need of the future. Currently, LVM3 can carry a payload weighing 9.2 tonnes to LEO.
Its payload capacity has to be increased to 20 tonnes. Currently, 4.3 tonnes of payload can be delivered to GTO. This has to be increased to 9 tonnes. NGLV will accomplish both of these tasks. Also, we will be able to recover it from land or sea. It will have the same technology as SpaceX’s Falcon rocket for recovery.
