ISRO’s Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport to Be Ready by Dec 2026

Context

• ISRO has announced that its second launch site at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin district will be fully operational by December 2026.
• The facility will complement the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, and will be dedicated mainly to SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) operations.

About the Kulasekarapattinam Launch Complex

• Location: Coastal village of Kulasekarapattinam, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu
• Area: 2,300 acres
• Foundation Stone: February 2024 (laid by PM Narendra Modi via video conferencing)
• Expected Completion: December 2026
• Launch Capacity: ~20–25 SSLV launches annually

Why a Second Launch Complex?

• Specialization in SSLVs
• SSLVs can carry up to 500 kg payloads to ~400 km orbit.
• Designed for cost-effective, quick, and on-demand launches.
• Suitable for commercial, academic, and defence satellites.
• Geographical Advantage
• Coastal location near the equator → enables straight southward launches.
• Safer (avoids populated areas).
• Best suited for Polar & Sun-Synchronous Orbits (SSO) → crucial for Earth observation missions.
• Boost to Local Economy & Science Ecosystem
• Generates skilled employment in southern Tamil Nadu.
• Attracts aerospace & defence investments.
• Encourages STEM education, research, and industry linkages.

Significance

• Decongests Sriharikota → allows larger missions (PSLV, GSLV, LVM3) to proceed without SSLV delays.
• Enhances India’s launch frequency & commercial competitiveness in the global space market.
• Strengthens India’s vision of becoming a hub for small satellite launches, especially in the NewSpace & private sector ecosystem.

Key Facts for Prelims

• Location: Kulasekarapattinam, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu
• Launch Capacity: 20–25 SSLV launches annually
• Vehicle Type: SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)
• Payload: Up to 500 kg
• Existing Launch Site: Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh)
• ISRO Chairman: V. Narayan