Prelims – Current events of National and International Importance| Space Technology.
Why in News?
Recently, the Union Ministry of Science and Technology shared the current status of infrastructure development at the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport.
- Geographical Location – It is a new spaceport coming up at Kulasekarapattinam, a coastal village near Tiruchendur in Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu.
- Objectives – To enable efficient launches of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSPOs) by providing a direct southward launch path.
- To eliminate the fuel-intensive dogleg manoeuvre required at Sriharikota.
- To enhance payload capacity and reduce launch costs for small satellites, micro and nano class.
- Financial outlay – Funds allocated to Kulasekarapattinam spaceport – Rs. 985.96 Crore.
- Fund utilized for the project so far is Rs. 389.58 Crore. (As on 31st July’25).
- Commission plan – Targeted in Fiscal Year 2026-27.
- Advantages in payload capability – It will enhance the payload capability of ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), while launching satellites to polar orbits.
- Launches to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSPO) from Sriharikota require complex rocket manoeuvres to avoid spent stages falling over landmasses.
- This will reduce the payload capability.
- The payload capability of the SSLV to SSPO is about 300 kg when launching from Kulasekarapattinam, whereas the capability is inadequate for a useful payload when launching from Sriharikota.
- Economic advantages – It encourages non-government entities (NGEs) to conduct commercial launches, supporting India’s space economy and generating satellite launch-related services.
- The Kulasekarapattinam launch site is close to ISRO’s Propulsion Research Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, making it easier and faster to transport rocket components and reduce costs.
Quick Facts
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Polar satellites
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- They are placed in polar orbits, moving in a north-south direction across the equator, and are typically launched either southward or northward.
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Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
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- It is a type of polar orbit where the satellite passes over the same area at the same local time daily, typically at 700–800 km altitude.
- It is ideal for satellites needing consistent sunlight, like those used in remote sensing.
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Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs)
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- They are designed to launch light-weight satellites less than 500 kg into the lower earth orbit at low costs.
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Reference
PIB| Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport
Related News – Need of Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport
