Spaceports in India

Spaceports in India mind map
Recent News:
Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport:
Foundation laid by:
Narendra Modi
Location:
Tamil Nadu
Dedicated to:
Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV)
Construction timeline:
Two years
Strategic benefits:
Fuel savings
Direct south launch over Indian Ocean
Investment:
$119 million (986 crores Indian rupees)
Launch frequency:
24 launches per year
Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC):
Location:
Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
Primary spaceport:
For ISRO
Launch pads:
Two functioning
Director:
Arumugam Rajarajan
Features:
Near equator
Large uninhabited area
Coastal length of 27 km
Launch history:
First rocket launch in 1971
SLV and ASLV programs
When:
SDSC operational since 1971
Kulasekarapattinam spaceport construction expected to complete in two years from foundation laying
Why:
Kulasekarapattinam:
To cater to small satellite launches
Avoid overflying Sri Lanka for polar orbits
SDSC:
Primary orbital launch site
Ideal location near equator
What
SDSC:
Two launch pads
Supports a wide range of missions
Kulasekarapattinam:
Mobile launch structure
24 launches per year capacity
Where:
SDSC:
Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
Kulasekarapattinam:
Tamil Nadu
Who:
ISRO
Narendra Modi
S Somanath
Arumugam Rajarajan
How:
SDSC:
Utilizing existing infrastructure
Launches supported by ISRO Range Complex
Kulasekarapattinam:
New construction
Mobile launch structure
Significance:
SDSC:
Proven track record
Supports major ISRO missions
Kulasekarapattinam:
Fuel efficiency
Increased launch capacity
Challenges:
Kulasekarapattinam:
New infrastructure setup
Meeting planned launch frequency
Way Forward:
Completion of Kulasekarapattinam construction
Expansion of India's launch capabilities

India is enhancing its space launch capabilities with two major spaceports. The Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, has been operational since 1971, serving as India’s primary orbital launch site. It benefits from its near-equatorial location, which is ideal for launching satellites into space due to the Earth’s rotational speed boost. The centre has two functioning launch pads and has witnessed significant launches, including India’s lunar exploration probes.

On the other hand, India is constructing a new spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to launching smaller launch vehicles with an investment of $119 million. This spaceport aims to conduct 24 launches per year using a mobile launch structure and is expected to be completed in two years. The new facility will cater to the increasing demand for small satellite launches, offering strategic benefits such as fuel savings and the ability to launch directly south over the Indian Ocean. This expansion reflects India’s growing participation in global space developments and its ambition to become a significant player in the space industry.