India's Second Spaceport: A Strategic Move for Small Satellite Launches
On August 27, 2023, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a Bhoomi Puja and foundation stone laying ceremony for the establishment of India's second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. This facility, with an investment of approximately ?90 crore, is designed to enhance India's capabilities in launching Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) missions, specifically catering to payloads of up to 500 kg.
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan and other senior officials attended the ceremony, highlighting the geographical advantages this coastal site presents for space exploration and satellite launches. The new launch pad will exclusively serve SSLV missions intended for Low Earth Orbit (LEO), while primary launch missions utilizing Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) will continue from ISRO's established site at Sriharikota.
The SSLV represents a significant advancement in launch technology, capable of deploying single satellites weighing up to 500 kg or multiple satellites ranging from 10 kg to 300 kg. Notably, its design includes three solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM). The SSLV's features such as low cost, rapid turnaround, and flexibility make it a vital asset for the burgeoning small satellite market.
The Kulasekarapattinam spaceport will address inefficiencies associated with the existing launch corridor at Sriharikota, particularly for polar orbit launches that require complex and fuel-intensive dogleg maneuvers to avoid overflying Sri Lanka. With its strategic location, the new spaceport will facilitate direct launches southward over the Indian Ocean, optimizing both cost and payload efficiency.
In conclusion, the establishment of this second spaceport marks a pivotal development in India's space capabilities, particularly in response to the growing demand for small satellite launches and the active participation of the private sector in the space industry.
