ISRO has taken a big step in expanding its space program by beginning construction on its second spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu. This new launch site will play an important role in advancing the country’s space missions.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked the official start of the project, opening a new chapter in India’s space exploration journey. This spaceport is being built mainly to support the launch of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs). These rockets are designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 500 kg into space.
With the growing global demand for small satellite launches, India aims to capture a significant share of this market. The new spaceport will provide a dedicated facility for SSLV launches, making satellite deployment faster, more efficient, and cost-effective. This development will boost India’s position in the international space industry while supporting scientific research, communication, and commercial satellite operations.
ISRO Begins Construction of India’s Second Spaceport
India’s space agency has officially started construction on the country’s second spaceport after a groundbreaking ceremony this week.
This new facility, located in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district, is specifically designed for launching the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), India’s latest and smallest rocket. Until now, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh has been the nation’s only space launch center.
ISRO announced that construction will begin on key infrastructure, including the Upper Stage Assembly Facilities (UAF-I & UAF-II) for preparing the second and third stages of the SSLV rocket. Additionally, a Launch Service Building (LSB) will be developed.
The Kulasekarapattinam spaceport is primarily intended for polar launches, sending satellites toward the South Pole. The SSLV, capable of carrying payloads of up to 500 kg, has already completed three test flights, marking the end of its development phase. Moving forward, it will now undertake regular operational missions.
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Why Does India Need a Second Spaceport?
ISRO’s current spaceport in Sriharikota is well-suited for launching heavier rockets toward the east, targeting equatorial orbits. However, launching the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and similar rockets toward the South Pole presents a major challenge.
From Sriharikota, a rocket heading south would need to pass over Sri Lanka, posing significant risks. To avoid this, Indian rockets execute a special maneuver, altering their flight path to steer clear of the island nation. This maneuver, however, consumes extra fuel.
For larger rockets, this fuel loss has minimal impact on their payload capacity. But for smaller rockets like the SSLV, it significantly reduces how much weight they can carry, making launches less cost-effective.
To solve this, India sought a location where smaller rockets could be launched directly south without overflying Sri Lanka. This led to the selection of Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu as the site for India’s second spaceport.
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FAQs
Q.1. Why is India building a second spaceport in Tamil Nadu?
Ans. India’s second spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam will support SSLV launches, allowing direct polar orbits without fuel-consuming maneuvers over Sri Lanka, making satellite deployment more efficient.
Q.2. What is the purpose of the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport?
Ans. The spaceport is designed for launching Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs), which carry satellites up to 500 kg, catering to the growing global demand for small satellite launches.
Q.3. How will the new spaceport benefit India’s space program?
Ans. It will enhance India’s ability to launch small satellites more cost-effectively, strengthen its position in the commercial space market, and support scientific and communication advancements.
Q.4. What challenges does Sriharikota face for polar launches?
Ans. Rockets launching southward from Sriharikota must avoid flying over Sri Lanka, requiring extra fuel-consuming maneuvers that reduce payload capacity, making small satellite launches less efficient.
Q.5. When will the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport be operational?
Ans. ISRO has begun construction, but an official launch date is yet to be announced. The facility will support regular SSLV missions once completed.
