# Kulasekarapatti launch site
The Kulasekarapatti launch site, formally the SSLV Launch Complex (SLC) at Kulasekarapattinam, is a spaceport under construction by the Indian Space Research Organisation (இந்திய விண்வெளி ஆராய்ச்சி நிறுவனம்; ISRO) in [Thoothukudi](https://www.edgepedia.org/thoothukudi) district, [Tamil Nadu](https://www.edgepedia.org/tamil-nadu), about 650 kilometers south of its existing Sriharikota spaceport.[1](https://www.isro.gov.in/SSLVLaunchComplexKulasekarapattinam.html) • [2](https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-commence-construction-of-launchpad-at-second-spaceport-1756352320603) It is intended primarily for polar launches of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which targets the global market for small satellites up to 500 kg.[1](https://www.isro.gov.in/SSLVLaunchComplexKulasekarapattinam.html) [The Prime Minister](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-prime-minister) laid the foundation stone on 28 February 2024, ground-breaking for the first major facilities followed on 5 March 2025, and commissioning is targeted for the 2026-27 financial year.[1](https://www.isro.gov.in/SSLVLaunchComplexKulasekarapattinam.html) • [3](https://globalsecurity.org/space/library/news/2025/space-250820-india-pib02.htm)
| Key facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu; ~650 km south of Sriharikota[2](https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-commence-construction-of-launchpad-at-second-spaceport-1756352320603) |
| Site area | 2,233 acres acquired[4](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kulasekarapattinam-launch-complex-to-handle-20-25-satellite-launches-annually-isro-chairman/article69983415.ece) |
| Financial outlay | ₹9.86 billion (₹985.96 crore); ₹3.896 billion (₹389.58 crore) spent by 31 July 2025, ₹5.887 billion (₹588.70 crore) by end July 2026[3](https://globalsecurity.org/space/library/news/2025/space-250820-india-pib02.htm) • [5](https://www.spaceexploration.in/news/kulasekarapattinam-spaceport-construction-operator-eoi) |
| Primary vehicle | SSLV, for small satellites up to 500 kg; ~300 kg to sun-synchronous polar orbit from this site[1](https://www.isro.gov.in/SSLVLaunchComplexKulasekarapattinam.html) • [3](https://globalsecurity.org/space/library/news/2025/space-250820-india-pib02.htm) |
| Planned cadence | 20-25 satellite launches per year[4](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kulasekarapattinam-launch-complex-to-handle-20-25-satellite-launches-annually-isro-chairman/article69983415.ece) |
| Timeline | Foundation stone Feb 2024; ground-breaking Mar 2025; launch pad foundation Aug 2025; completion targeted end-2026; commissioning FY 2026-27[1](https://www.isro.gov.in/SSLVLaunchComplexKulasekarapattinam.html) • [6](https://www.isro.gov.in/Foundation_Stone_Laid_for_Launch_Pad_at_SSLV_Launch_Complex.html) • [3](https://globalsecurity.org/space/library/news/2025/space-250820-india-pib02.htm) |
## Site selection and rationale
The core reason for a second site is geometry. Launches to sun-synchronous polar orbits from Sriharikota (SDSC SHAR) require the rocket to maneuver to avoid dropping spent stages on landmasses, which significantly reduces payload capability.[3](https://globalsecurity.org/space/library/news/2025/space-250820-india-pib02.htm) From Kulasekarapattinam, a lightweight SSLV can fly a direct southward trajectory over the open sea, and the payload to sun-synchronous polar orbit is about 300 kg, whereas the capability from SDSC SHAR is inadequate for a useful payload.[3](https://globalsecurity.org/space/library/news/2025/space-250820-india-pib02.htm) • [7](https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/isro-building-second-rocket-launchport-9199038/)
The choice of this stretch of coast followed a longer search. Under the division of roles, SHAR will handle bigger, heavy-lift missions, including [Gaganyaan](https://www.edgepedia.org/gaganyaan), while Kulasekarapattinam takes smaller payloads.[7](https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/isro-building-second-rocket-launchport-9199038/)
## Approval, funding and land
The foundation stone was laid by the Prime Minister on 28 February 2024.[1](https://www.isro.gov.in/SSLVLaunchComplexKulasekarapattinam.html) Funds allocated to the project total ₹9.86 billion (₹985.96 crore), of which ₹3.896 billion (₹389.58 crore) had been utilized as of 31 July 2025.[3](https://globalsecurity.org/space/library/news/2025/space-250820-india-pib02.htm) A year later the Department of Space told the [Rajya Sabha](https://www.edgepedia.org/rajya-sabha) that ₹5.887 billion (₹588.70 crore), 59.7 percent of the outlay, had been spent by the end of July 2026, an increase of ₹1.991 billion (₹199.12 crore) over twelve months.[5](https://www.spaceexploration.in/news/kulasekarapattinam-spaceport-construction-operator-eoi)
Land acquisition moved unevenly. ISRO chairman [S. Somanath](https://www.edgepedia.org/s-somanath) said in October 2022 that land for the site had been acquired and was being consolidated, with launch pad design ready and construction expected to take two years.[8](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/land-has-been-acquired-for-launch-site-in-tamil-nadu-isro-chief/articleshow/95049550.cms) In September 2023, however, the project faced local opposition: residents of Kulasekarapattinam, some citing distrust from the nearby Udangudi thermal power project's expansion, complained of an information vacuum about radiation risk and compensation, and a farmers' association head who tried to organize a hunger strike on 6 September 2023 saw the gathering dispersed by police despite prior permission.[9](https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/kulasekarapattinam-nervous-about-isros-rocket-launch-station-project/article67291646.ece) By March 2025, 95 percent of acquisition was reported complete,[10](https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Mar/31/isro-to-spread-its-wings-in-kulasekarapattinam) and by August 2025 ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said the process was finished, with 2,233 acres acquired.[4](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kulasekarapattinam-launch-complex-to-handle-20-25-satellite-launches-annually-isro-chairman/article69983415.ece) Land acquisition is complete except for land needed to reroute the East-Coast Road.[3](https://globalsecurity.org/space/library/news/2025/space-250820-india-pib02.htm)
## Planned infrastructure and vehicles
The complex comprises 33 major facilities. The initial construction begun in March 2025 covers Upper Stage Assembly Facilities UAF-I and UAF-II, for preparation of the second and third stages of the three-stage SSLV, and a Launch Service Building.[1](https://www.isro.gov.in/SSLVLaunchComplexKulasekarapattinam.html) • [10](https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Mar/31/isro-to-spread-its-wings-in-kulasekarapattinam) Major systems including the Mobile Launch Structure, Jet Deflection Duct, and vibration isolation systems were designed by SDSC SHAR, with range systems developed in-house and via industry partnerships.[6](https://www.isro.gov.in/Foundation_Stone_Laid_for_Launch_Pad_at_SSLV_Launch_Complex.html)
The site is meant for the SSLV and equivalent small vehicles. [Minister of State](https://www.edgepedia.org/minister-of-state) in the Department of Space Dr. [Jitendra Singh](https://www.edgepedia.org/jitendra-singh) told the [Lok Sabha](https://www.edgepedia.org/lok-sabha) that the spaceport will be used extensively and exclusively for commercial, on-demand, and small satellite launches.[11](https://indianexpress.com/article/india/isro-spaceport-kulasekarapattinam-2026-2027-dr-jitendra-singh-10201355/) Narayanan said payloads weighing up to 500 kg, including those on private rockets, would launch from the site.[4](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kulasekarapattinam-launch-complex-to-handle-20-25-satellite-launches-annually-isro-chairman/article69983415.ece) • [1](https://www.isro.gov.in/SSLVLaunchComplexKulasekarapattinam.html) After commissioning, launches of SSLV and equivalent vehicles from non-government entities (NGEs) are planned from the spaceport.[3](https://globalsecurity.org/space/library/news/2025/space-250820-india-pib02.htm)
## Construction status and timeline
Ground-breaking for three major facilities took place on 5 March 2025.[1](https://www.isro.gov.in/SSLVLaunchComplexKulasekarapattinam.html) On 27 August 2025, ISRO Chairman Dr. [V. Narayanan](https://www.edgepedia.org/v-narayanan-engineer) laid the foundation for the Launch Pad, a ₹100-crore work package, with construction in progress on 32 of the 33 major facilities.[6](https://www.isro.gov.in/Foundation_Stone_Laid_for_Launch_Pad_at_SSLV_Launch_Complex.html) • [4](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kulasekarapattinam-launch-complex-to-handle-20-25-satellite-launches-annually-isro-chairman/article69983415.ece) [Sounding rocket](https://www.edgepedia.org/sounding-rocket) launches for upper-atmosphere studies and technology demonstration are targeted to commence from December 2025.[6](https://www.isro.gov.in/Foundation_Stone_Laid_for_Launch_Pad_at_SSLV_Launch_Complex.html)
Target dates differ between statements. The Second Launch Complex is targeted for completion by the end of 2026,[6](https://www.isro.gov.in/Foundation_Stone_Laid_for_Launch_Pad_at_SSLV_Launch_Complex.html) commissioning is targeted for FY 2026-27,[3](https://globalsecurity.org/space/library/news/2025/space-250820-india-pib02.htm) and Jitendra Singh's written Lok Sabha reply put the first SSLV launch in 2027.[12](https://ianslive.in/commissioning-of-kulasekarapattinam-spaceport-targetted-for-fy-27-jitendra-singh--20250820150455) Narayanan separately said launches were planned by the fourth quarter of 2026.[4](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kulasekarapattinam-launch-complex-to-handle-20-25-satellite-launches-annually-isro-chairman/article69983415.ece) An August 2026 Rajya Sabha reply, per specialist reporting, did not name a commissioning timeframe, saying only that efforts were being made to complete commissioning "within the timeframe", while a March 2026 reply had expected commissioning during 2026-27 and placed SSLV launches from the second site in 2027-28.[5](https://www.spaceexploration.in/news/kulasekarapattinam-spaceport-construction-operator-eoi)
## References
1. [Commencement of the construction of SSLV Launch Complex at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu](https://www.isro.gov.in/SSLVLaunchComplexKulasekarapattinam.html)
2. [ISRO to commence construction of launchpad at second spaceport](https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-commence-construction-of-launchpad-at-second-spaceport-1756352320603)
3. [Parliament Question: Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport (PIB, via GlobalSecurity.org)](https://globalsecurity.org/space/library/news/2025/space-250820-india-pib02.htm)
4. [Kulasekarapattinam launch complex to handle 20-25 satellite launches annually: ISRO Chairman](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kulasekarapattinam-launch-complex-to-handle-20-25-satellite-launches-annually-isro-chairman/article69983415.ece)
5. [Kulasekarapattinam operator search opens as construction continues](https://www.spaceexploration.in/news/kulasekarapattinam-spaceport-construction-operator-eoi)
6. [Foundation Stone Laid for Launch Pad at SSLV Launch Complex (SLC), Kulasekarapattinam](https://www.isro.gov.in/Foundation_Stone_Laid_for_Launch_Pad_at_SSLV_Launch_Complex.html)
7. [Why is ISRO building a second rocket launchport in Tamil Nadu's Kulasekarapattinam?](https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/isro-building-second-rocket-launchport-9199038/)
8. [Land has been acquired for launch site in Tamil Nadu: ISRO chief](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/land-has-been-acquired-for-launch-site-in-tamil-nadu-isro-chief/articleshow/95049550.cms)
9. [ISRO's New Rocket Facility Raises Concerns in Kulasekarapattinam](https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/kulasekarapattinam-nervous-about-isros-rocket-launch-station-project/article67291646.ece)
10. [ISRO to spread its wings in Kulasekarapattinam](https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Mar/31/isro-to-spread-its-wings-in-kulasekarapattinam)
11. [ISRO's spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam to be commissioned in 2026-2027, says Dr Jitendra Singh](https://indianexpress.com/article/india/isro-spaceport-kulasekarapattinam-2026-2027-dr-jitendra-singh-10201355/)
12. [Commissioning of Kulasekarapattinam spaceport targetted for FY 27: Jitendra Singh](https://ianslive.in/commissioning-of-kulasekarapattinam-spaceport-targetted-for-fy-27-jitendra-singh--20250820150455)
13. [How Sriharikota's little sister boosts India's space ambitions](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-sriharikotas-little-sister-boosts-indias-space-ambitions/articleshow/108280313.cms)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Transport and spaceflight › Spaceflight › Launch systems and rocketry › Spaceports and launch infrastructure › Spaceports by region › Spaceports in India*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 19, 2026 · Edited: Sep 18, 2026; Oct 11, 2026; Oct 15, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Sep 19, 2026*
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License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license