Kulasekarapattinam to Host India’s First Private Spaceport

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has initiated work on developing its second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu on the occasion of National Science Day, 28th February 2024. This ambitious project aims to provide domestic launch capabilities for small satellite launch vehicles.

Background

• Kulasekarapattinam spaceport will be ISRO’s second integrated rocket launch site after Sriharikota and first commercial spaceport focused on small satellite launch vehicles.
• With multiple technical facilities, this spaceport will enable launches of SSLVs and provide commercial satellite launch services to global customers.
• Situated in Tirunelveli district, it aims to boost Tamil Nadu’s position as a hub for aerospace and defence manufacturing.

Site Selection Drivers

Technical Advantages

• The location at 8 degrees North latitude allows launches exactly along the east coast without Mid Ocean Separation Zone flyover issues.
• Flight paths avoid major inhabited areas minimizing risk and enabling flexible launch windows.
• Sites offers adequate extent of 4,200 acres to accommodate multiple launch pads, control centers, radars and other test facilities.

Business Potential

• Growing global small satellite market and new space economy makes site suitable to tap into rising SSLV launch demand.
• Spaceport would attract domestic aerospace cos to set up manufacturing in the surrounding region furthering ‘Make in India’

Amended Guidelines Enable Participation

• Relaxed space sector guidelines now permit ISRO to own & operate spaceports with participation from private firms.
• Allows scope for JVs between ISRO centers, national R&D labs and private space majors in developing Kulasekarapattinam.

Infrastructure & Capabilities

Launch Facilities

• Initial phase will house 1 launch pad for SSLV rockets with expansion capability to add 2 more pads.
• Support infrastructure like command center, umbilical towers, propellant storage will be developed.
• Future integration facilities to ready satellites & assemble launch vehicle components planned.

Mission Control & Testing Infrastructure

• Independent mission control center on par with SDSC SHAR capability will be set up to monitor launches.
• Radar systems, communication facilities & data processing capacities will come up.
• R&D complex housing labs, vehicle & satellite test centers to be built.
• A 6 km runway will enable air transit of launch vehicle & satellites between ISRO centers.

Investments & Job Potential

• Over ₹950 crores budgeted towards land acquisition, site development and basic infrastructure in Phase 1
• Country’s first commercial spaceport expected to create over 1000 technical & non-technical jobs.
• Boost industrial corridor along Kovilpatti-Sankarankoil belt with spillover benefits to Tuticorin port exports.

Strategic Significance

• Reduce dependency on existing SHAR facility handling all launches so far for ISRO’s rockets like PSLVs and SSLVs.
• Expand India’s share in the $360 billion global space economy via SSLV satellite launch services exports.
• Positions India as credible player in booming APAC commercial space sector rivaling current capacities in NZ, Australia and Japan.
• Strengthens indigenous space launch capabilities critical from national security standpoint.

Key Figures on Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport

Kulasekarapattinam spaceport development powered by ISRO will propel Tamil Nadu to the forefront of India’s space economy. With the state already leading the country in space research via facilities at Sriharikota, Mahendragiri and Vikram Sarabhai Space Center, Kulasekarapattinam will further spearhead the rise of India’s private space sector from Tamil soil flipping the final frontier into full economic flight.