What happened:
ISRO plans to develop a third launch pad at Shriharikota within four years to support next-generation launch vehicles capable of placing satellites over 14,000 kg into orbit. The agency is identifying vendors for the project, which will handle both crewed and uncrewed missions.
Why it matters to India:
The new pad will boost India’s ability to launch heavier satellites, advance crewed space missions, and strengthen the country’s strategic and technological capabilities in space.