The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is embarking on an ambitious project to establish its second spaceport. This new facility is planned to be located at Kulasekarapattinam in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. The primary focus of this spaceport will be to cater to Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) developed by the private sector.
Small Satellite Launch Vehicles, or SSLVs, are three-stage launch vehicles designed to deploy satellites weighing approximately 500 kilograms into a 500-kilometer planar orbit. These compact and efficient launch solutions are pivotal for the growing demand in satellite technology and innovations.
Dr. Pawan Goenka, the chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), is overseeing the development of this project. His leadership aims to ensure the seamless execution and timely completion of the spaceport.
The second spaceport is projected to become operational within the next two years. In preparation for this, approximately 2,000 acres of land have already been acquired and handed over to ISRO. This marks a significant step forward in the project's development.
This upcoming spaceport is exclusively designed for the private sector's use in launching SSLVs. Unlike other ISRO facilities, this site will not be utilized for launching ISRO's own rockets, emphasizing its role in supporting private sector initiatives.
In addition to the spaceport, a small space manufacturing park is proposed to be established nearby in Kulasekarapattinam. This initiative aims to bolster the space industry ecosystem in the region. The project team is already in place, the budget has been allocated, and the planning phase is complete. The project is on track to lift off in about two years.
This new spaceport represents a significant step forward in fostering innovation within the Indian space sector and beyond, paving the way for future advancements in satellite technology and space exploration.
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