Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history on Wednesday, laying the foundation for a groundbreaking ₹950-crore project set to expand India's space capabilities. Located in Kulasekarapattinam, the new state-of-the-art spaceport will span 2,233 acres across Padukkapathu, Pallakurichi, and Mathavankurichi villages.
The Kulasekarapattinam spaceport will focus on launching smaller satellites, including nano and micro satellites. This differentiates it from the existing Sriharikota space center, which primarily handles launches of heavier satellites into fixed orbits. This strategic shift highlights India's commitment to a diverse space program and addresses the evolving demands of the global aerospace industry.
Kulasekarapattinam's unique location offers a distinct advantage for small satellite launches. Its proximity to the open waters south of India, extending towards Antarctica, ensures that launched satellites are already in orbit by the time they pass over the southernmost continent. This aligns with regulations prohibiting spacecraft from flying over landmasses when not in orbit.
The new spaceport signifies a major step forward for India's space infrastructure. It solidifies the nation's position in the global space industry. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and the region's unique geographical benefits, Kulasekarapattinam is set to become a major hub for satellite launches.
