Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport Set for 2026-27 Commissioning with ₹986 Cr Allocation

The Kulasekarapattinam spaceport is progressing steadily, with land acquisition nearly complete, except for the area required to reroute the East-Coast Road. Site development works are finished, and construction of technical facilities is underway, while fabrication of key equipment and structures continues at multiple work centres. The spaceport is targeted for commissioning in FY 2026-27.

A total of ₹985.96 crore has been allocated to the project, of which ₹389.58 crore has been utilized as of July 31, 2025.

The new launch site is expected to significantly enhance the payload capacity of ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) for polar orbits. Unlike launches from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) at Sriharikota, which require complex maneuvering to avoid spent stages falling over land, Kulasekarapattinam will allow SSLV missions to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSPO) with a payload capacity of approximately 300 kg. In contrast, SSLV launches from SDSC-SHAR are limited in payload capability for such orbits.

After commissioning, Kulasekarapattinam will also serve as a launch site for SSLV and similar vehicles operated by Non-Government Entities (NGEs), supporting India’s expanding satellite launch capabilities.