Unleashing the Future: Kulasekarapattinam Launch Complex Set to Empower 20-25 Satellite Launches Annually, Says ISRO Chairman
V. Narayanan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), announced the groundbreaking of a new rocket launch pad in Kulasekarapattinam, set to facilitate 20 to 25 satellite launches annually. The ceremony, held on August 27, 2025, marked a significant milestone in India’s expanding space capabilities.
Narayanan revealed that the land acquisition process for the launch complex has been successfully completed, with 2,233 acres secured for the ambitious project. Current operations from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikotta will soon be complemented by this second launching complex, as ISRO seeks to enhance its launch capacity. “We currently conduct satellite launches for India and several other nations using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. Our new site aims to diversify and increase our output,” he stated.
The launch pad’s construction, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024, has seen intensive infrastructure development over the past six months. With an investment of ₹100 crore, the groundwork has officially commenced. Narayanan emphasized that the site will facilitate launches using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLC), while also accommodating private rockets.
“Do not assume that the rockets launched from Kulasekarapattinam will be smaller; they will be capable of launching payloads up to 500 kg,” Narayanan clarified, underscoring ISRO’s commitment to innovative and larger-scale operations. The facility, alongside an ongoing third launch pad in Sriharikotta with a budget of ₹4 crore, represents an expansion of ISRO’s launch capabilities.
Looking ahead, Narayanan indicated that rocket launches from the Kulasekarapattinam site are expected to occur in the fourth quarter of next year, with the Prime Minister set to announce the specific date as the launch approaches. This ambitious project reflects ISRO’s strategy to meet increasing demands in the global satellite market and solidify India’s position as a key player in space exploration.
The event was attended by notable officials including Thoothukudi Collector K. Elambahavath, Director of SDSC SHAR Padmakumar E.S., and A. Rajarajan, Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. Their participation highlights the collaborative efforts behind this significant advancement in India’s space infrastructure.
As ISRO continues to innovate and expand its capabilities, the Kulasekarapattinam launch site promises to be a pivotal element in the future of satellite launches, with its anticipated completion set for December 2026. The mission to enhance India’s space endeavors signals a new era in satellite deployment, with both national growth and international collaboration at its forefront.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kulasekarapattinam-launch-complex-to-handle-20-25-satellite-launches-annually-isro-chairman/article69983415.ece
Category : Tamil Nadu
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Publish Date: 2025-08-28 11:59:00
