Kulasekarapattinam spaceport

The Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport, located in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, India, is set to become the second spaceport of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) dedicated exclusively for Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) developed by the private sector.

Location: Kulasekarapattinam, a coastal village in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, India.
Acres: The facility is being constructed over 2,350 acres.
Timeline: The project is expected to be completed in about two years from now.
It will be used exclusively by the private sector for SSLV launches, with no ISRO rockets being launched from there.
Features and Benefits
- SSLV Capability: SSLV is a 3-stage launch vehicle capable of launching approximately 500kg satellites in a 500-km planar orbit.
- Key Features: SSLV offers low cost, low turnaround time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, launch-on-demand feasibility, and minimal launch infrastructure requirements.
- Fuel Efficiency: The location of Kulasekarapattinam allows launches directly south over the Indian Ocean without crossing any landmasses, saving fuel for small rocket launches.
Purpose and Objective:
- The purpose of the Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport is to serve as a gateway for commercial satellite launches, specifically focusing on small satellite launch vehicles.
- It will cater to smaller payloads like nano and micro satellites, complementing the heavier satellite launches from the Sriharikota space centre.
Industrial Parks and Future Plans
- Manufacturing Park: A small space manufacturing park is planned near the spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam.
- Space Industrial Park: The Tamil Nadu government plans to set up a Space Industrial Park and Propellants Park near Thoothukudi to support activities related to the spaceport.
- Global Market: The global market for small satellites is projected to grow significantly, making the establishment of this spaceport crucial for tapping into this market.
Recent Developments
- Foundation Stone Laying: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the spaceport on an island named Kulasekharapatnam off Tamil Nadu’s coast.
- Launches: ISRO launched its two-stage sounding rocket Rohini (RH – 200) from Kulasekharapatnam recently using a mobile launch pad to mark the development.
The Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport represents a significant step towards enhancing India’s capabilities in space exploration and satellite launches, particularly focusing on smaller payloads and private sector involvement.