Relying on limited number of launch pads for rockets poses operational risks: panel

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, in its latest report on Demands for Grants (2026-27) of the Department of Space, has said that relying on a limited number of launch pads may pose operational risks.

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The committee, which presented the report in Parliament on March 25, said, “Given the growing scale and complexity of India’s space programme, the committee is of the view that relying on a limited number of launch pads may pose operational risks.”

Citing the incident last year, which damaged the Baikonur cosmodrome spaceport operated by Russia in Kazakhstan during the launch of a Soyuz-2.1a rocket, the report said, “The cosmodrome incident had a significant impact on Russian launch operations and highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with dependence on limited launch facilities. The committee therefore considers it imperative that India proactively strengthen and diversify its launch infrastructure.”

India has only one spaceport at present, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, located on the eastern coast. It has two launch pads.

The first launch pad was built in the early 1990s, and the second one became operational in 2005.

New launch complex

The Department of Space is developing another launch complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu, which will be primarily dedicated to Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV).

The committee has noted the development of the launch complex at Kulasekarapattinam and the proposed third launch pad at Sriharikota, which is expected to become operational by 2029–30.

However, it stated that considering the expanding scope of India’s space activities, the increasing demand for satellite launches, and emerging missions including human spaceflight and planetary exploration, the committee is of the view that the country will require additional launch infrastructure in the long run.

“Further, considering the long gestation period involved in the planning and construction of launch pads and associated facilities, the committee recommends the department undertake a comprehensive long-term assessment of the number of launch pads and spaceports that India may require over the next thirty years, keeping in view the ageing launch pad infrastructure, increasing launch frequency and the country’s growing space ambitions,” the report stated.