ISRO’S SECOND SPACEPORT IN TAMIL NADU: A TRANSFORMATIVE LEAP FOR INDIA’S SPACE EXPLORATION
On February 28, 2024, India took a momentous step in its space exploration journey as Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for ISRO‘s second rocket launch pad in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, via video conference. Simultaneously, the space agency celebrated the successful launch of a Rohini Sounding Rocket (RH–200) from the newly established launch complex, marking a pivotal moment in India’s quest for enhanced satellite launch capabilities.
ISRO’S Collaborative Efforts and Technical Brilliance
The successful launch of the Rohini Sounding Rocket, a collaborative effort between the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), demonstrated the operational readiness of the recently inaugurated spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam. The SDSC, spearheading the realization and installation of critical launch facilities such as radars, launchers, and electronic systems, showcased technical brilliance and collaborative excellence among various ISRO centers.
Reinforcing ISRO’S Journey
Prime Minister Modi’s involvement in laying the foundation stone for ISRO’s second rocket launch pad signifies a strategic move to bolster India’s space exploration capabilities. Former ISRO Director and Scientist Mylswamy Annadurai, renowned as the “Moon Man of India,” emphasized the significance of Kulasekarapattinam, foreseeing it as a catalyst for transformative change in the space industry.
What makes this location unique is the coexistence of the rocket launch pad and the space manufacturing park, making Kulasekarapattinam a potential hub for holistic space-related activities.
Why ISRO decided Kulasekarapattinam?
The choice of Kulasekarapattinam as the launching site is driven by several strategic factors, each contributing to the efficiency and success of satellite launches:
- Proximity to the Seashore
Thoothukudi’s proximity to the seashore makes Kulasekarapattinam ideal for “straight southward” launches. Unlike Sriharikota, where southward-bound launches require navigating around Sri Lanka, Kulasekarapattinam eliminates the need for such detours. The absence of landmass along the southward flight path simplifies the trajectory for rockets sent in that direction.
- Elimination of Dogleg Maneuver
The absence of landmass along the southward flight path from Kulasekarapattinam eliminates the need for a Dogleg maneuver—a sharp turn deviating a rocket from a straight flight path. This maneuver, avoided at the new spaceport, translates to reduced fuel consumption, preserving more payload capacity for the launcher.
- Nearness to the Equator
Similar to the Sriharikota spaceport, Kulasekarapattinam’s nearness to the equator enhances its effectiveness for rocket launches. Scientifically, most satellites are launched into polar orbits, and Kulasekarapattinam’s location on the east coast offers strategic advantages in this regard.
- Logistical Ease
The proximity of ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Mahendragiri in Tirunelveli district, around 100 km away, streamlines the transportation of rocket stages for assembly. This logistical ease ensures a smoother process in the assembly of critical components, contributing to overall operational efficiency.
Mylswamy Annadurai’s Insights: A Visionary Perspective
Former ISRO Director Mylswamy Annadurai shared valuable insights into the global economic and scientific advantages that Kulasekarapattinam could bring.
Satellite Replacement Efficiency: Annadurai emphasized the immediate need for replacing satellites nearing the end of their life span, especially with the recent surge in launching low-mass satellites for telecommunication and remote sensing.
Economical Launch Vehicles: Annadurai highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), particularly when launched from Kulasekarapattinam. This presents a viable alternative to the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), offering economical solutions for satellite launches.
Enhanced Manufacturing Capabilities: Kulasekarapattinam’s potential to manufacture all necessary equipment on-site positions it as a comprehensive launch center, capable of launching satellites swiftly. This mirrors SpaceX’s strategy, emphasizing the importance of integrated manufacturing for streamlined operations.
Commercial Viability: Annadurai envisions Kulasekarapattinam not only as a scientific hub but also as a commercially viable launch site. The strategic location, coupled with the ability to manufacture and launch satellites efficiently, positions Kulasekarapattinam as a potential global leader in commercial space endeavors.
Future Prospects and Collaborative Innovation
As India solidifies its position in the global space sector, the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport, with its strategic advantages and visionary plans, is poised to play a pivotal role. The coexistence of the rocket launch pad and space manufacturing park in Kulasekarapattinam is not just a technological feat but a testament to India’s commitment to becoming a world leader in space endeavors.
The success of the Rohini Sounding Rocket launch, coupled with Prime Minister Modi’s forward-looking initiatives, positions India for a groundbreaking era in space exploration and commerce.
The collaborative efforts of ISRO, the foresight displayed by Prime Minister Modi, and the visionary perspective shared by Mylswamy Annadurai collectively underscore India’s commitment to exploring new frontiers and establishing itself as a prominent player in the global space arena. The integration of scientific innovation, strategic planning, and commercial viability positions Kulasekarapattinam as a focal point for future space-related endeavors, promising transformative change in India’s space exploration narrative.
