New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially issued a Request for Proposal (RfP) for design engineering services for its highly anticipated Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This marks a pivotal moment in India’s space infrastructure development, aimed at supporting the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) and enhancing the nation’s launch capabilities by 2029.
What is Strategic RfP Launch for ISRO NGLV Mission
Earlier this month, ISRO issued the RfP inviting bids for comprehensive design and engineering services for the Third Launch Pad. Bidders are expected to submit proposals by January 22, 2026, with technical evaluations to follow.
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The RfP calls for qualified engineering firms and consortiums to contribute to a multi-phase design process — beginning with conceptual and preliminary design reviews, proceeding to detailed engineering, and culminating in tender document preparation and final design certification.
This initiative primarily addresses challenges posed by India’s expanding launch vehicle portfolio, especially the demands of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) — a heavier, more powerful rocket family under development. Current launch pads at SDSC — the First Launch Pad (FLP) and Second Launch Pad (SLP) — were not designed to support such advanced configurations at scale.
Background of Third Launch Pad and ISRO NGLV Mission
The Third Launch Pad project builds on the Union Cabinet’s approval in January 2025 for establishing the TLP as part of India’s long-term space vision. Financial sanction was granted in March 2025, and subsequent geotechnical and topographic surveys were completed by May 2025.
Located at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, the TLP will complement the existing two pads — the FLP (serving PSLV and SSLV missions since 1993) and the SLP (operational since 2003 for GSLV and LVM3 missions) — significantly expanding launch frequency and redundancy.
Worth approximately ₹3,984.86 crore, the project is targeted for completion within four years, with full operational readiness projected by March 2029. Critical milestones include civil works by May 2028, fluid and propellant systems by July 2028, and launch facility integration by September 2028.
Design Vision of Third Launch Pad for ISRO NGLV Mission
The Third Launch Pad’s structural and operational design reflects the latest in space infrastructure engineering. Core systems and facilities highlighted in the RfP include:
Universal and Flexible Launch Infrastructure
- A Single Wedge Jet Deflector Duct (JDD) to manage rocket exhaust.
- A Tiltable Umbilical Tower (TUT) paired with a Mobile Launcher Platform.
- Multiple Lightning Protection Towers to safeguard operations.
- Integrated Rail Track Systems for transporting launch vehicles from the NGLV Integration Facility (NIF) to the TLP.
Horizontal Integration Philosophy
Unlike traditional vertical integration systems, the TLP design centers around horizontal integration for NGLV vehicles. Launch vehicles will be assembled and checked at the NIF, then transported horizontally to the pad and tilted vertically before launch — reducing pad occupancy time and enhancing safety.
Industry & MSME Participation
ISRO has emphasised the importance of industry participation, including Indian private firms and MSMEs, in executing the TLP project. Evaluation of proposals will follow a Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) mechanism, ensuring competitive yet high-quality outcomes.
What is the Importance of Third Launch Pad for ISRO NGLV Mission
The NGLV — central to India’s future launch ambitions — is designed to lift heavier payloads (estimated up to 30,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit) and expand ISRO’s mission portfolio to include advanced scientific, commercial, and human spaceflight operations.
Boosting Launch Cadence & Redundancy
Having a third pad increases ISRO’s launch frequency and ensures redundancy in case of downtime or rollout overlaps at the FLP and SLP. This is critical for meeting ambitious targets such as the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and a crewed lunar landing by 2040.
Enhancing India’s Global Position
The TLP will position India among leading spacefaring nations with advanced infrastructure capable of supporting next-generation rockets. This has far-reaching implications for commercial launch services, space exploration, and international partnerships.
