In a significant development, the Prime Minister recently laid the foundation stone for a new space port at Kulasekarapattinam in southern Tamil Nadu, marking the beginning of a new era in India's space exploration efforts.

Overview of Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport:

1. Location: Located in Kulasekarapattinam, a coastal village near the temple town of Tiruchendur in Thoothukudi district, the new spaceport will serve as India's 2nd space launch facility after the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
2. Focus: The Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport is specifically designed to launch Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV) on a commercial basis, emphasizing India's growing role in the global satellite launch market.
3. Infrastructure: Spread over 2,350 acres, the spaceport will have 35 state-of-the-art facilities, including launch pads, rocket integration facilities, ground range and checkout facilities and a mobile launch structure equipped with computers.
4. Capacity: With the capability to launch 24 satellites per year, the spaceport aims to streamline satellite deployment processes while ensuring cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
5. Geographical Advantage: The strategic location of Kulasekarapattinam enables direct southward launches over the Indian Ocean, minimizing fuel requirements for small rocket launches compared to the existing launch site at Sriharikota, where rockets need to follow a curved path to avoid landmasses.
6. Cost and Timeline: The project is estimated to cost Rs. 986 crore, marking a significant investment in India's space infrastructure development.

Key Facts about Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs):

1. Configuration: SSLV is a 3-stage Launch Vehicle equipped with 3 Solid Propulsion Stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
2. Specifications: With dimensions of 2 m diameter and 34 m length and a lift-off weight of 120 tonnes, SSLV is capable of launching a 500 kg satellite into a 500 km flat orbit, meeting various mission requirements.
3. Features: SSLV is characterized by its low cost, fast turnaround time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, launch on-demand feasibility and minimal launch infrastructure requirements, making it a preferred choice for commercial satellite launches.

The establishment of the Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport highlights India's commitment to advance its space capabilities and expand its presence in the global space market, paving the way for increased collaboration and innovation in the field of satellite technology.

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