The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to establish a second rocket launchport in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu. This initiative aligns with the Indian government's policy to open the space sector to private entities and addresses the growing demand for commercial satellite launches. The new facility is designed to alleviate pressure on the existing Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota, offering a dedicated site for smaller payloads and commercial, on-demand launches.
Kulasekarapattinam's location provides numerous geographical, scientific, and strategic benefits for launching the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). The site's direct southward launch trajectory enables shorter and more fuel-efficient routes, bypassing the need for detours around Sri Lanka. Additionally, its proximity to the equator enhances payload capacity, a crucial advantage for geostationary satellite missions.
The Tamil Nadu government has completed the necessary land acquisition, transferring over 2,000 acres to ISRO for the development of the launchport. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has mentioned that construction could take up to two years, with the facility capable of supporting 20 to 30 SSLV launches annually once operational.
Designed by ISRO, SSLVs are tailored to launch small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). These vehicles are optimized for cost-effectiveness and quicker launch timelines, making them ideal for mini, micro, or nano satellites. SSLVs meet the rising demand for commercial and on-demand satellite launches, including projects from educational institutions and private players.
India's journey with SSLVs has seen significant developments. Although the first mission, SSLV-D1, faced challenges in August 2022, ISRO successfully achieved the desired orbital insertion with the SSLV-D2 mission in February 2023, launching three satellites. This success marks a pivotal advancement in expanding India's capabilities for launching small satellites.
The Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, located on the east coast of Andhra Pradesh, is equipped with comprehensive launch infrastructure supporting all of ISRO's missions. The facility includes solid propellant processing, static testing, launch vehicle integration, telemetry services, and mission control. SHAR houses two operational launch pads catering to various launch vehicles, including PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3.
In conclusion, establishing a second launchport in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, represents a strategic expansion of India's space launch capabilities, particularly for small satellite launches. This move aligns with the country's broader objectives to bolster its presence in the global space market, support private sector participation, and optimize launch logistics for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
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