Despite the Narendra Modi government being extremely bullish on the country’s space programme and setting ambitious targets, the department of space, which comes under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Office, is yet to set up what it calls a third launch pad for satellites at Sriharikota, despite having made preliminary preparations two years back. Currently, there are two launch pads and a third one is necessary as India plans to increase its launch frequency in the next few years.
According to sources, despite conducting detailed studies of preliminary configurations almost two years back, the department is now having a relook at its decision. They claim that the country’s satellite launch frequency is limited owing to its limited or not yet up-to-the-mark ability to assemble rockets.
Sources said it takes five-to-six years to construct one launch pad, however, this specific project has not even been sent for the approval of the finance ministry.
It seems to be caught in a Catch-22 situation, where even though the government is keen to launch several ambitious projects in the next two years, the department still feels the time is not ripe for constructing the launch pad.
Sources added that now the department plans to initiate the project only when it will have the capability of handling greater number of satellite launches on an annual basis.
Another reason why the department is hesitant on constructing the third launch pad is that it was planning to start a human space programme, which is not happening yet. As the third launch pad was also required for this specific programme, the department is not keen to start work on the project.
The department wants to start this project once its ability of assembling number of launch vehicles handling an increased frequency improves, and the necessary approvals for human space programme are received. Till this happens, it wants to focus on utilising the existing two launch pads effectively.
A Parliamentary panel even crticised the department recently for not setting up an advanced time frame for the project considering the ongoing developments in the domestic as well as global space scenario, and specially with Mr Modi’s ambitious plans for the space sector.
