August 28, 2025

The excitement is reaching new heights at ISRO! The space agency’s second launch complex is taking shape in Kulasekarapattinam, a picturesque coastal village in Tuticorin district. This massive new spaceport will spread across 2300 acres and is expected to be ready by December 2026, says ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan. Speaking to reporters on August 27, 2025, after the Bhumi Puja ceremony for the new launch pad, Mr. Narayanan revealed thrilling details. "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 shared. What’s the big deal? This launch complex will use the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), designed to carry satellites weighing up to 500 kg to an altitude of 400 km. The SSLV is perfect for quick, frequent launches, different from the heavy-duty Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLVs) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLVs) that take off from Sriharikota. Mr. Narayanan added, "Annually there will be 20-25 satellite launches," signaling a major boost for India’s space missions and commercial satellite business. The foundation stone for this state-of-the-art SSLV Complex was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video call in February 2024. This new launch site will join Sriharikota as a foundation of India’s growing space adventure. Also present at the ceremony were top ISRO officials like the Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, A Rajarajan, and other leading scientists, showing strong support for this ambitious project. With this cutting-edge spaceport coming up along India’s coast, the country is gearing up to become a major player for small satellite launches—fast, efficient, and ready to explore new heights. The countdown to launch has officially begun!

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Tags: Isro, Kulasekarapattinam, Launch complex, Sslv, Satellite launches, V. narayanan,