Thu Jan 16 14:35:06 UTC 2025: ## India Approves Construction of Massive New Launchpad for Moon Mission
**Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh –** The Indian government has approved the construction of a new, massive launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This ambitious project, costing ₹3,984 crore (approximately $480 million USD), will support the development and launch of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), a “monster rocket” capable of carrying a 30-tonne payload into low-Earth orbit. The NGLV, taller than the Qutab Minar, is crucial for India’s plans to land an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040.
The third launchpad, slated for completion within four years, will accommodate the NGLV, featuring reusable components and green propulsion systems for cost-effective and environmentally conscious space travel. The overall NGLV development project has received ₹8,239 crore (approximately $1 billion USD) in funding and is expected to be completed within 96 months.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the cabinet’s approval on X (formerly Twitter), stating the project will strengthen India’s space sector and inspire its scientists. The existing two launchpads at Sriharikota, already home to India’s first private launchpad, have facilitated 99 significant launches to date. The third launchpad, according to ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan, is designed for versatility and adaptability, capable of launching both the NGLV and other vehicles.
This expansion is essential to meet the growing demands of India’s ambitious space program, including the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035. The current launch infrastructure is insufficient for the heavier payloads and advanced propulsion systems required by future missions. The new launchpad is seen as a vital step towards achieving self-reliance in space transportation for the next 25-30 years. A second launch port is also under construction in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, focusing on smaller rockets.
First Piper 