The Launch Pad was commissioned in the 1990s and was conceived in IOP (Integrate on Pad) concept where the rocket is assembled on a pedestal which is static, whereas the structural tower called as Mobile Service Tower weighing around 4500 tons and 80 meters in height, moves back and forth. The tower is used to service the vehicle during the assembly and moves on wheels away from the pad during lift-off.
The Launch Pad primarily caters up to 6 launches of PSLV per year, and the facilities are being augmented to increase the launch capability up to 12 to 18 per year.
All the stages are assembled in the Assembly Building and are brought to the Launch Pad for final integration. The assembly of each vehicle takes around 30 to 45 days based on the configuration, and Electrical checks and Satellite Health Monitoring will be done during the entire campaign. Liquid Fuel Filling is done from storage storages on the day of launch.
The Launch Pad is covered with Lightning Protection Towers to protect the vehicle from thunders. Fire Protection System is very effective, protecting the Launch Pad from accidental fire.
- Stages Preparation
- Spacecraft Preparation
- Launch Pad
- Vehicle Integration & Checkout
- Vehicle Integration & Checkout
- Range Instrumentation
- Lightning Protection
