ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) Chairman, S Somanath, recently shared exciting developments regarding the establishment of a second launchpad in Kulasekharapatnam, located in the southern Thoothukudi district. The ambitious project, receiving immense support from the Tamil Nadu government, is expected to be operational within approximately two years.
The Tamil Nadu Government’s Pivotal Role
The Tamil Nadu government has played a pivotal role in the realisation of this project, having sanctioned 2,000 acres of land in the coastal district. This new launchpad will cater to private rockets, significantly reducing the fuel consumption compared to launching them from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. S Somanath expressed his gratitude for the state’s support and its recognition of ISRO’s contribution to the Chandrayaan-3 program.
A Gift from ISRO to Tamil Nadu
S Somanath, during his visit to Tamil Nadu, presented Chief Minister M K Stalin with a model of Chandrayaan-3, symbolising the state’s significant role in ISRO’s achievements. Stalin praised ISRO’s accomplishments and the role of Tamil Nadu in the space organisation’s success.
The Progress and Future of Kulasekharapatnam
The ISRO chairman emphasised that the progress on the second launchpad in Kulasekharapatnam is well underway. He shared that the government had already sanctioned the land, amounting to 2,000 acres, and that the project is now in the process of obtaining various necessary clearances.
Clearances: A Crucial Step
Presently, clearances for aspects such as connectivity, power, and construction are of utmost importance. S Somanath expressed his request for the state government’s assistance in fast-tracking these clearances, with the aim of completing the project in just two years.
A Strategic Advantage for ISRO
One of the strategic advantages of the Kulasekharapatnam launchpad is its ideal location. It is better positioned than Sriharikota for launching small rockets, as it minimizes payload usage and eliminates the need to fly over the landmass of Sri Lanka. S Somanath, who also serves as the Secretary of the Department of Space, highlighted this significant advantage.
ISRO’s Prior Move
In November 2022, ISRO had already taken a substantial step forward by inaugurating a private launchpad and mission control centre within the ISRO campus at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota. This was a historic move, marking a shift towards increasing private sector involvement in space missions and launches.
