Recently, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology informed the Lok Sabha that India’s second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, is scheduled to be commissioned in FY 2026–27.

• Minister informed the Lower House that the site development and land acquisition, except land for re-routing the east coast road, were complete.
• The construction work for the technical facilities was progressing at the site.
• A total of Rs 985.96 crore has been allocated in funds to the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport. Till July 31, Rs 389.58 crore has been utilised for the project. 

India’s Second Spaceport

• In February 2024, the Prime Minister of India laid the foundation stone of the spaceport, which enjoys a geographical advantage along the coastal Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district.
• This new spaceport will be instrumental for carrying out the launches of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV)developed by ISRO.
• The SSLV missions are designed for launching small satellites (10–500 kg) into Low Earth Orbit at low cost with limited fuel use. 
• The upcoming Kulasekarapattinam spaceport will support this by providing a direct south-bound, shorter launch trajectory.
• The new spaceport will comprise 35 facilities, including

• • a launchpad
  • rocket integration units
  • ground range and checkout systems
  • a mobile launch structure (MLS) with a checkout computer.

• It will have the capacity to launch 24 satellites every year using a mobile launch structure.
• The Government has already announced the Indian Space Policy 2023, which provides for the utilisation of spaceports for carrying out launch activities by Non-Government Entities (NGEs), subject to technical feasibility and range safety constraints.
• At present, all space launches undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are realised from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, or SHAR, located at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

Why Kulasekarapattinam?

Kulasekarapattinam was selected for several strategic reasons crucial for space mission efficiency and effectiveness, especially for launches involving the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Its southern coastal location in Tamil Nadu near the equator facilitates direct southward launch trajectories. This choice is underpinned by the need for fuel efficiency, optimal payload capacity, and navigational ease for launching satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits.

• Direct southward launch trajectory - The direct southward trajectory is pivotal for space missions due to its fuel-saving potential. Launches aimed at polar and sun-synchronous orbits from Kulasekarapattinam can take a straight path over the Indian Ocean, reducing the need for fuel-intensive course corrections. This trajectory is more efficient compared to the detour required from India’s first launch site, SDSC SHAR in Sriharikota, which needs to navigate around Sri Lanka, thereby saving significant amounts of fuel and enhancing the mission’s overall efficiency.
• Proximity to the equator - The location’s closeness to the equator offers a natural ‘slingshot’ effect, which is a significant advantage for rocket launches. The Earth’s rotation speed is faster at the equator, and this rotational boost significantly increases the velocity of the launch vehicle. Such an increase allows rockets to carry more payload for the same amount of fuel or alternatively use less fuel for the same payload. This benefit optimizes mission costs and enhances the payload capacity, making launches more efficient and cost-effective.
• Navigational ease - Navigational ease around geographical obstacles such as Sri Lanka is crucial for reducing fuel consumption. Launches from Kulasekarapattinam offer a direct southward path, eliminating the need to navigate around Sri Lanka, which is a requirement for launches from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR. This direct trajectory results in significant fuel savings, as the rocket can follow a straighter path to the intended orbit without the need for additional fuel to adjust the course. The geographical advantage of Kulasekarapattinam thus contributes to more fuel-efficient and cost-effective satellite launches.

Significance of the Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport

• Enhanced Payload Capacity: Its coastal location enables direct southward launches into sun-synchronous polar orbits, avoiding fuel-draining manoeuvres and significantly improving payload efficiency.
• Boost to Small Satellite Market: It is dedicated to Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) and it strengthens India’s competitiveness in the fast-growing global small satellite sector.
• Private Sector Participation: It is aligned with the Indian Space Policy 2023, the facility will support launches by both ISRO and private companies, fostering a vibrant space ecosystem.
• Strategic Diversification: As India’s second spaceport, it reduces dependence on Sriharikota, expands national launch capacity and strengthens space infrastructure for future growth.

These advantages align perfectly with ISRO’s objectives to enhance India’s capabilities in the global space sector, particularly for launching small satellites into low Earth orbit efficiently and cost-effectively. By optimizing fuel use, increasing payload capacity, and ensuring navigational ease, Kulasekarapattinam’s location supports ISRO’s goals of providing reliable and cost-effective launch services. This strategic choice will help India cater to the growing demand for satellite launches, both domestically and internationally, thus reinforcing its position as a key player in the global space industry.