Kulasekarapattinam spaceport to be operational by 2027: ISRO CHAIRMAN

S the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) spreads its wings with eye on the sky, the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) Complex being built at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi may help the space organisation capture new avenues.

- S GODSON WISELY DASS @Thoothukudi

The construction of the satellite complex, which started with a groundbreaking ceremony led by Satish Dhawan Space Centre Director A Rajarajan on March 5, is expected to be completed in two years.

The spaceport is being commissioned on 2,233 acres spanning Padukkapathu and Mathavankurichi villages in Tiruchendur taluk and Pallakurichi of Sathankulam taluk in Thoothukudi district.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the construction of the spaceport on February 28, 2024.

The three major facilities of the Kulasekarapattinam SSLV launch complex are Upper State Assembly Facilities (UAF-1 & UAF-2) for the preparation of the second and third stages of the 3-stage SSL vehicle and Launch Service Building (LSB).

The complex is primarily to address the polar launches of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV) aimed at capturing the global launch service market for small satellites of up to 500kg.

SSLV development has been completed, and the vehicle is ready for commercial production.