SOURCE: AFI
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing India’s space launch capabilities, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to establish a second spaceport for launching small satellites in Kulasekarapattinam, located in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district. This development, slated to unfold over the course of two years, promises to be geographically advantageous for the country’s space exploration endeavors.
Scheduled for February 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officiate the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of the new facility. Spanning an expansive area of 2,233 acres across Padukkapathu, Pallakurichi, and Mathavankurichi villages in Kulasekarapattinam and Sathankulam taluks, the spaceport heralds a new era in India’s space exploration journey.
ISRO scientists highlight the strategic significance of the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport, emphasizing its potential to optimize fuel consumption during satellite launches. Unlike launches from the existing spaceport in Sriharikota, which necessitate southeast trajectories to circumvent Sri Lanka’s airspace, launches from Kulasekarapattinam enable satellites to embark on a direct southward trajectory. This streamlined approach not only conserves fuel but also facilitates smoother navigation towards the South Pole.
The establishment of the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport represents a significant milestone in India’s space exploration ambitions. By diversifying its launch capabilities and leveraging geographic advantages, ISRO aims to bolster its position as a leading player in the global space industry.
Moreover, the new spaceport underscores India’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement in the field of space exploration. As the country seeks to expand its footprint in space research and satellite deployment, investments in infrastructure and launch facilities become imperative to support future missions and endeavors.