The Union government has decided to entrust the operations and maintenance of ISRO’s upcoming small-satellite launch facility at Kulasekaranpattinam in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district to a private company. The site is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 950 crore.
ISRO currently launches satellites from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh using PSLV and GSLV rockets. With growing international interest in cost-effective launches from India, the government had planned an additional launch site, selecting Kulasekaranpattinam for its proximity to the equator, which can reduce fuel requirements.
About 2,233 acres were acquired for the project, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in 2024 for what is described as the country’s second launch site. With construction nearing completion, the Centre is moving to shift day-to-day running to the private sector.
IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) has initiated steps to invite expressions of interest from eligible, India-registered private firms. The selected company will operate the facility and provide commercial launch services, while ISRO will offer technical guidance and training for up to three launch services or one year, whichever is earlier.
Eligibility conditions include a minimum of seven years of operations and financial capability demonstrated through Rs 3,500 crore in transactions or revenue from large infrastructure projects over the last seven years. The move is expected to allow ISRO to focus more on advanced space programmes, while the new site is also positioned to support launches of SSLV and private rockets such as Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 and Agnikul Cosmos’ Agnibaan.
