Space regulator and promoter IN-SPACe has begun the process of handing over the operations and management of Isro’s Rs 986-crore Small Satellite Launch Complex (SLC) at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu to the private sector, Times of India reported, in another step towards opening up the country’s launch infrastructure to industry.
IN-SPACe has invited expressions of interest from eligible Indian entities to operate and manage the new launch complex, which is being developed primarily to support small rocket launches.
Also Read: IN-SPACe re-entry rules expose insurance crunch
The SLC is part of the new spaceport being built by Isro at Kulasekarapattinam, India's second launch site. Spread across about 2,233 acres, the spaceport is expected to handle launches of Isro's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) as well as equivalent launch vehicles developed by private companies.
Under the government's initial plans, launches from the facility were to be carried out by private launch vehicle operators after the spaceport was commissioned. IN-SPACe's latest move takes the private-sector role further by seeking an industry partner to take charge of the complex's operations and maintenance.
The selected entity will be responsible for the end-to-end management of the facility, including launch campaign operations, maintenance of infrastructure and systems, safety and security, mission readiness, asset management, logistics and coordination with Isro, IN-SPACe and launch customers.
Isro will initially provide technical and operational support to help the private operator build the required capabilities.
“To facilitate a smooth transition and capability development, Isro will provide the selected party with the necessary technical guidance, operational support, training, and handholding assistance for a defined period up to the completion of three launch services provided by the selected party to launch vehicle operators, or one year, whichever is earlier,” as per IN-SPACe.
Also Read: India plans safe space for local satellite communications players
Located on the Tamil Nadu coast, about 55 km from Thoothukudi, the Kulasekarapattinam site has been designed with small satellite launches in mind and offers a more efficient trajectory for missions to polar and Sun-synchronous orbits.
Unlike launches from Sriharikota, rockets launched from Kulasekarapattinam can head directly south over the Indian Ocean without having to undertake a dog-leg manoeuvre to avoid flying over Sri Lanka. The more direct trajectory can improve payload capacity and reduce fuel requirements, making launches more efficient, particularly for the SSLV.
The facility is also designed to support a higher launch cadence, with shorter turnaround times between missions. This complements the SSLV, which was developed by Isro for on-demand launches of small satellites and requires fewer personnel and shorter integration times than larger launch vehicles.
Together, the SSLV and the new launch complex are expected to support the growing demand in India and overseas for dedicated small satellite launches.
The move is part of a broader effort by IN-SPACe to transfer Isro-developed technologies and infrastructure to private industry.
In recent months, the agency has invited industry participation for the transfer of technologies related to Isro's PSLV and LVM-3 launch vehicles. Technology for the SSLV has already been procured by defence public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for Rs 511 crore.
IN-SPACe is also opening up access to Isro's ground infrastructure. In June, it invited private companies to establish and operate ground stations within the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) campus at Shadnagar on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The agency plans to select up to three Indian companies for the facility.
The regulator is also preparing new schemes aimed at supporting private space companies and other non-government entities, including subsidies ranging from 30% to 100% for areas such as launch services, technology transfer, satellite data and access to Isro facilities.
The push reflects the government's broader strategy of shifting more space activities and infrastructure towards private operators, while retaining Isro's role in providing technical expertise and supporting the development of India's commercial space ecosystem. (With inputs from Times of India)
