ISRO’s second launch complex: 2,300 acres, 25 launches, and India’s new space frontier

Kulasekarapattinam (Tamil Nadu): The construction of the country’s second launch complex in the Tuticorin district is expected to be completed by December 2026, with the potential for around 25 launches per year from the spaceport, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters after participating in the Bhumi Puja for the launch pad, he said that satellite launches using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), capable of carrying a payload of 500 kg to an altitude of 400 km, would be conducted from the site.

The complex is being developed on 2,300 acres of land and will become the second such facility in the country—the first being located at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

"All the work will be over by December 2026—that is our target. We are planning rocket launch by fourth quarter of next year. The Prime Minister will announce the correct launch date at the appropriate time," he said.

"Annually there will be 20-25 satellite launches," he added.

In February 2024, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle Complex (SLC) at Kulasekarapattinam, a coastal village, via video conferencing.

The SSLVs differ from Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLVs) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLVs), which are capable of carrying heavier payloads and are typically used in deep space exploration missions. The PSLVs and GSLVs are launched from India’s primary spaceport at Sriharikota.

In addition to Narayanan, senior officials from the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency, including the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, A. Rajarajan, and other scientists were present for the foundation stone laying ceremony, it was added.