SSLV Launch Complex

In 2011, a requirement for a new launch facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) was expressed to meet future demands and as a redundancy for the existing facilities.{{Cite web |date=October 2011 |title=12th Five Year Plan of Department of Space Report of Working Group (WG-14) |url=http://planningcommission.gov.in/aboutus/committee/wrkgrp12/sandt/wg_dos2905.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404223826/http://planningcommission.gov.in/aboutus/committee/wrkgrp12/sandt/wg_dos2905.pdf |archive-date=4 April 2016 |pages=84, 106}} Following this, in 2013, Kulasekarapattinam was proposed as a potential site for this launch facility by parliamentarians from the state of Tamil Nadu, citing advantages such as location, weather and proximity to ISRO facilities like the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.{{Cite web |date=6 February 2014 |title=Fifteenth Series, Vol. XXXVII, Fifteenth Session, 2014/1935 (Saka) No. 12, Thursday, February 06, 2014/Magha 17, 1935 (Saka) |url=https://sansad.in/getFile/debatestextmk/15/XV/0602.pdf?source=loksabhadocs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306172101/https://sansad.in/getFile/debatestextmk/15/XV/0602.pdf?source=loksabhadocs |archive-date=6 March 2024 |page=44}}{{Cite web |date=10 December 2014 |title=Parliamentary Debates Rajya Sabha: Official Report Vol. 233 No. 13 |url=https://cms.rajyasabha.nic.in/UploadedFiles/Debates/OfficialDebatesDatewise/Floor/233/F10.12.2014.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306172106/https://cms.rajyasabha.nic.in/UploadedFiles/Debates/OfficialDebatesDatewise/Floor/233/F10.12.2014.pdf |archive-date=6 March 2024 |page=484}}{{Cite web |last=karthikeyan |first=k |date=2013-11-13 |title=Kulasekarapattinam's ideal launch pad |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/131113/news-current-affairs/article/kulasekarapattinam%E2%80%99s-ideal-launch-pad |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en |archive-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317162949/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/131113/news-current-affairs/article/kulasekarapattinam%E2%80%99s-ideal-launch-pad |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=17 November 2013 |title=Ex-scientist of ISRO bats for Kulasekarapattinam |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/131117/news-current-affairs/article/ex-scientist-isro-bats-kulasekarapattinam |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=28 August 2024 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}}

However, due to programmatic delays, the Third Launch Pad project was deprioritized{{Cite web |date=31 March 2017 |title=Two Hundred Ninety Eighth Report Demands For Grants (2017-2018) Of The Department of Space (Demand No. 91) |url=http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20S%20and%20T,%20Env.%20and%20Forests/298.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424113808/http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20S%20and%20T,%20Env.%20and%20Forests/298.pdf |archive-date=24 April 2017 |pages=16, 17}}{{Cite web |title=ISRO proposes to set up a new launch pad, referred as Third Launch Pad, at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=116880 |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=pib.gov.in |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722192201/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=116880 |url-status=live }} as requirements to establish a new launch facility were not being met and existing facilities were augmented instead.{{Cite web |title=Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1725 |url=https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/242/Au1725.pdf?source=pqars |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317183606/https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/242/Au1725.pdf?source=pqars |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2379 |url=https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/245/Au2379.pdf?source=pqars |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317183607/https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/245/Au2379.pdf?source=pqars |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1429 |url=https://164.100.158.235/question/annex/243/Au1429.pdf}}

After the ISRO began pursuing the Small Satellite launch Vehicle (SSLV) project in 2017, the old proposal of Kulasekarapattinam launch site became relevant again. After considering another site on the western coast near the state of Gujarat, Kulasekarapattinam was eventually selected as the site for the SSLV Launch Complex.{{Cite web |title=ISRO's Second Spaceport, for New SSLV Rocket, to Come up in Tamil Nadu |url=https://thewire.in/space/isro-kulasekarapattinam-thoothukudi-sdsc-sriharikota-sslv-pslv-gslv-antrix |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=The Wire |archive-date=4 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204070728/https://thewire.in/space/isro-kulasekarapattinam-thoothukudi-sdsc-sriharikota-sslv-pslv-gslv-antrix |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2018-09-21 |title=ISRO setting up launch pad for Gaganyaan mission |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/isro-setting-up-launch-pad-for-gaganyaan-mission/article25010147.ece |access-date=2024-03-17 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=8 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608222932/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/isro-setting-up-launch-pad-for-gaganyaan-mission/article25010147.ece |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1733 |url=https://164.100.158.235/question/annex/247/Au1733.pdf |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722201243/https://164.100.158.235/question/annex/247/Au1733.pdf |url-status=live }} A site survey began in May 2019 and around 2,500 acres of land were identified for acquisition.{{Cite news |date=2019-06-03 |title=Villagers oppose land acquisition for Isro rocket launch pad at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/villagers-oppose-land-acquisition-for-isro-rocket-launch-pad-at-kulasekarapattinam-in-tamil-nadu/articleshow/69635505.cms |access-date=2024-03-17 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031054947/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/villagers-oppose-land-acquisition-for-isro-rocket-launch-pad-at-kulasekarapattinam-in-tamil-nadu/articleshow/69635505.cms |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |author=Staff Reporter |date=2019-09-30 |title=Kudimaramathu work will be completed before Oct. 10: Collector |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/kudimaramathu-work-will-be-completed-before-oct-10-collector/article29557981.ece |access-date=2024-03-17 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105023712/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/kudimaramathu-work-will-be-completed-before-oct-10-collector/article29557981.ece |url-status=live }} The land acquisition process for the launch facility began in November 2019.{{Cite web |date=2020-03-05 |title=Land acquisition underway for 2nd rocket port in Tuticorin |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/land-acquisition-underway-for-2nd-rocket-port-in-tuticorin/1673907 |access-date=2024-03-17 |archive-date=5 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305005149/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/land-acquisition-underway-for-2nd-rocket-port-in-tuticorin/1673907 |url-status=bot: unknown }}{{Cite web |title=Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1240 |url=https://pqars.nic.in/annex/250/AU1240.pdf}}

On 28 February 2024, the foundation stone was laid for the construction of the new facility, with an area of 2,233 acres in the Padukkapathu, Pallakurichi, and Mathavankurichi villages in the Kulasekarapattinam and Sathankulam taluks of the Thoothukudi district. The state government of Tamil Nadu completed the land acquisition for project which will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 950 crore and aiming for readiness by 2026.{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-02-21 |title=Modi to lay foundation stone for Kulasekarapattinam spaceport on February 28 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/modi-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kulasekarapattinam-spaceport-on-february-28/article67870939.ece |access-date=2024-08-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web |last=Sivapriyan |first=E. T. B. |title=PM Modi to lay foundation for ISRO's second spaceport on February 28 |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/pm-modi-to-lay-foundation-for-isros-second-spaceport-on-february-28-2906049 |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en |archive-date=23 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223144748/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/pm-modi-to-lay-foundation-for-isros-second-spaceport-on-february-28-2906049 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Ramesh |first=M. |date=2023-09-10 |title=ISRO's New Rocket Facility Raises Concerns in Kulasekarapattinam |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/kulasekarapattinam-nervous-about-isros-rocket-launch-station-project/article67291646.ece |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=www.thehindubusinessline.com |language=en |archive-date=23 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223144754/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/kulasekarapattinam-nervous-about-isros-rocket-launch-station-project/article67291646.ece |url-status=live }}

To mark the occasion, ISRO launched a RH-200 Rohini Sounding Rocket from the launch complex at 13:40 (IST) on 28 February 2024. This was the first rocket launch from the spaceport. The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSCC) provided the rocket and the meteorological payload, while SDSC installed launch facilities including radars, launchers, and electronic systems.{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-02-27 |title=Rohini Sounding Rocket to be launched from Kulasekarapattinam |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/rohini-sounding-rocket-to-be-launched-from-kulasekarapattinam/article67892137.ece |access-date=2024-08-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web |title=Honourable Prime Minister Lays the Foundation Stone for India's Second Spaceport |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/Second_Spaceport_FoundationStone_Laid_Hon_PrimeMinister.html |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=www.isro.gov.in |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308024516/https://www.isro.gov.in/Second_Spaceport_FoundationStone_Laid_Hon_PrimeMinister.html |url-status=live }}

In January 2025, the new ISRO chairman V. Narayanan announced that the new facility will be ready for launch within two years.{{Cite web |last=ETB |first=Sivapriyan |date=29 January 2025 |title=NISAR mission launch in next few months: ISRO chief |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/nisar-mission-launch-in-next-few-months-isro-chief-3378659 |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}} The construction of the launch facilities were officially started from 5 March 2025.

ISRO has operated the SDSC in Sriharikota as its primary launch site since 1971.{{cite news |title=Govt may set up new rocket launch pad near Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/govt-may-set-up-new-rocket-launch-pad-near-kulasekarapattinam-in-tamil-nadu-119112801090_1.html |access-date=26 August 2022 |agency=Business Standard |publisher=www.business-standard.com |date=29 November 2019 |archive-date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826183302/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/govt-may-set-up-new-rocket-launch-pad-near-kulasekarapattinam-in-tamil-nadu-119112801090_1.html |url-status=live }} Its location on the Bay of Bengal provides a good launch azimuth corridor and ensures safety through rockets launched over the ocean. However, the launch corridor is inefficient for smaller rockets carrying payloads to a polar orbit (circling the Earth above the poles), since the island nation of Sri Lanka is directly to the South of Sriharikota. To avoid the risk of flying over another country, payloads for polar orbits are launched towards the East and follow a curved path to the South to avoid Sri Lanka's landmass. This maneuver is known as a dogleg maneuver.

File:PSLV XL C40 Cartosat-2F hazard zones for falling stage debris based on NOTAM.svg. This problem will be resolved by launching rockets from the new Spaceport, bypassing the Sri Lankan landmass in its entirety. ]]

The dogleg maneuver utilizes significant amounts of fuel in smaller rockets. Small rockets, such as the SSLV, are specifically designed to efficiently launch smaller payloads. The additional fuel consumption for the curved trajectory compromises the rocket's cost and payload efficiency.{{cite news |title=ISRO new launchpad in Tamil Nadu to save fuel, increase payload capacity |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/isro-new-launchpad-tamil-nadu-kulasekarapattinam-sriharikota-indian-space-research-organisation-630072 |access-date=26 August 2022 |agency=India TV News |publisher=www.indiatvnews.com |date=29 June 2020 |archive-date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826182030/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/isro-new-launchpad-tamil-nadu-kulasekarapattinam-sriharikota-indian-space-research-organisation-630072 |url-status=live }} To avoid this problem, ISRO is developing the SSLV Launch Complex for launching payloads to polar orbits. Given its location, launches from Kulasekarapattinam can be launched directly South over the Indian Ocean without crossing any landmass for thousands of miles.{{cite news |author1=Sidharth MP |title=Why is India building a new spaceport in Tamil Nadu? |url=https://www.wionews.com/science/why-is-india-building-a-new-spaceport-in-tamil-nadu-499495 |access-date=26 August 2022 |agency=Wion News |publisher=www.wionews.com |date=21 July 2022 |archive-date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826175817/https://www.wionews.com/science/why-is-india-building-a-new-spaceport-in-tamil-nadu-499495 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |author1=U Tejonmayam |title=New launch pad in Tamil Nadu to help Isro save fuel |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/new-tn-launch-pad-to-help-isro-save-fuel/articleshow/76668427.cms |access-date=26 August 2022 |agency=Times of India |publisher=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=28 Jun 2020 |archive-date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826183302/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/new-tn-launch-pad-to-help-isro-save-fuel/articleshow/76668427.cms |url-status=live }}

This spaceport will provide launchpads and support facilities for ISRO missions carrying payloads into polar orbits. Few of the main facilities of SLC are:{{Cite web |title=Request for Proposal for Construction Supervision and Inspection Services for construction of SLC project facilities near Kulasekarapattinam, Tuticorin Dt, Tamil Nadu |url=https://www.shar.gov.in/sdscshard/downloadTenderDocument.jsp?slnoOfCircular=PART_01&tendername=NO.%20SDSC%20SHAR/Sr.HPS/PT/MSA/02/2024-2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320235140/https://www.shar.gov.in/sdscshard/downloadTenderDocument.jsp?slnoOfCircular=PART_01&tendername=NO.%20SDSC%20SHAR%2FSr.HPS%2FPT%2FMSA%2F02%2F2024-2025 |archive-date=20 March 2025}}

• SSLV Assembly Facility (SAF): SAF will be a multi-storied building for the vertical assembly of SSLV rocket.
• Satellite Preparation Facility (SPF): SPF will facilitate the satellite preparation activities for the launch. It will be equipped to receive the satellites, de-containerization, preparation, propellant loading, encapsulation of satellite before transfer to SAF.
• Nozzle Assembly and Stage Preparation Facility (NASPF): The facility will be used for SSLV first stage (SS1) preparation like assemble the nozzle with Nozzle End Segment and to prepare other segments for vertical assembly.
• Non Destructive Testing Facility (NDT): NDT will be equipped to non-destructively inspect solid motors, segments, igniters of SSLV for any anomalies through radiography.
• Upper Stage Assembly Facility 1 and 2: UAF-1 will prepare the second stage (SS2) and UAF-2 will prepare the third stage (SS3) of SSLV for assembly operations. Both stage preparation facilities will work in parallel.
• Segment Storage and Magazine (SSM): For storage of SSLV solid stages. SS1 is stored vertically while SS2 and SS3 motors are stored horizontally.
• Launch Control Centre / Mission Control Centre (LCC/MCC): Launch related activities of SSLV will be controlled from LCC and MCC. The building will include a VIP launch view gallery.
• Technical Service Building (TSB), Base Fire Station (BFS), Ground level Reservoir (GLR): The Technical Service Building will have provisions to accommodate the senior executives, engineers and conference hall etc. to meets the SLC technical requirements. The Base fire station will monitor the fire alarms and FDA system in SLC and will be equipped with fire tenderer, extinguishers and fire suppression systems for fire emergency. The Ground Level Reservoir will supply water to fire hydrant systems of technical facilities. The GLR includes, 500 and 400 cubic meter reservoirs with pump rooms and hydrant lines connecting the facilities.
• Radar Building 1, 2 and 3, Telemetry and Telecommand: Radars are used to track the launch vehicle for range safety. For SLC, three identical radar facilities are planned.
• Material Handling (MAHAN) and Balloon shed: For material storage and weather balloons.

{{Portal bar|India|Rocketry|Spaceflight}}

• Satish Dhawan Space Centre
• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
• Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station

{{reflist}}

{{ISRO facilities}}

Category:Spaceports

Category:Rocket launch sites in India

Category:Space programme of India

Category:Indian Space Research Organisation facilities