Context: Recently, the Indian Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the second rocket launchport of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu.

Need for a New Launchport

Capacity and Overburdening

• The opening of the space sector to private players is expected to lead to a significant increase in commercial launches.

• This surge in demand could potentially overwhelm existing launch facilities, such as the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR (Sriharikota Range) in Sriharikota.

• Therefore, establishing a new launch port ensures that there is sufficient capacity to accommodate the increased number of launches without overburdening existing facilities.

Diversification of Launch Services

• By dedicating the SDSC SHAR primarily for bigger and heavy-lift-off missions, and creating the Kulasekarapattinam launchport for smaller payloads, the ISRO can diversify its launch services.

• This specialisation allows for more efficient utilization of resources and infrastructure tailored to specific mission requirements.

Support for Private Players

• The establishment of a new launchport provides private players with dedicated infrastructure to develop space-qualified subsystems, build satellites, and launch vehicles.

• This encourages private investment and participation in the space sector, fostering innovation and competition.

Advantages of the Kulasekarapattinam location

• Kulasekarapattinam offers geographical, scientific, and strategic benefits for launching the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) due to its direct southward launch trajectory.

• This location allows for shorter and more fuel-efficient routes compared to SHAR, which requires a detour around Sri Lanka.

• Being closer to the equator also enhances payload capacity, a critical factor for geostationary satellite launches.

Current status of the new launchport’s development

• As of the last update, the Tamil Nadu government has completed land acquisition, handing over more than 2,000 acres to ISRO for the development of the launchport. 

• ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has indicated that construction could take up to two years, with the facility potentially supporting 20 to 30 SSLV launches annually.

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

• SSLVs are designed by ISRO to cater to the launch of 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 support the growing demand for commercial and on-demand satellite launches, including projects from educational institutions and private sector players.

How has India’s SSLV journey progressed?

• The SSLV journey began with a setback when the first mission, SSLV-D1, failed to insert its satellites into the intended orbit in August 2022. However, ISRO successfully corrected its course with the SSLV-D2 mission in February 2023, achieving the desired orbital insertion of three satellites. This success marks a significant step in expanding India’s launch capabilities for small satellites.

Key features of the existing SHAR facility

• The Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, located on the east coast of Andhra Pradesh, is equipped with comprehensive launch infrastructure that supports all of ISRO’s missions. 

• It includes facilities for solid propellant processing, static testing, launch vehicle integration, telemetry services, and mission control. 

• SHAR houses two operational launch pads that cater to a range of launch vehicles, including PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3.

Conclusion

• The establishment of 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 goals to enhance its presence in the global space market, support private sector participation in space activities, and optimize launch logistics for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness.