ISRO’s Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport to Be Ready by Dec 2026
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- September 9, 2025
Syllabus:Science and Technology
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
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