Why is it in the news?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ISRO’s second rocket launchport at
• Located in coastal Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district, the Rs 986 crore facility is strategically positioned for commercial, on-demand, and small satellite launches, catering exclusively to these missions.

 Reasons for Building a New Launchport

• Increasing Demand for Launches: With the recent policy shift opening up India’s space sector to private players, there’s an anticipated increase in the number of commercial satellite launches.
• Prevent Overburdening: The existing Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota has been handling all launches, including both government and commercial missions. Building a new launch port helps prevent overloading this facility, ensuring efficient operations.
• Dedicated Infrastructure: The new launchport at Kulasekarapattinam is specifically designed for commercial, on-demand, and small satellite launches. This specialization enhances efficiency and streamlines operations for these types of missions.

Location and its advantages

• Geographical Advantage: Kulasekarapattinam, situated in coastal Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district, offers strategic advantages due to its proximity to the sea.
• Strategic Positioning for SSLV Launches: The location allows for direct southward trajectories, particularly beneficial for missions involving the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). This minimizes fuel consumption and enhances efficiency.
• Equatorial Proximity: Both Kulasekarapattinam and Sriharikota launchports are located close to the equator, which is advantageous for satellite launches due to the higher velocity imparted by Earth’s rotation.