For Prelims: Spaceport / Launch Site, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), Spaceport Name, Location, Land Acquired, Foundation Stone Laid, First Launch Expected
For Mains: Space infrastructure expansion, Small satellite launch ecosystem, Decentralisation of launch capabilities, India's commercial space ambitions
Source:
Hindustan
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- ISRO's second spaceport is at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
- The first launch from Kulasekarapattinam is expected in 2027.
- About 2,300 acres of land was acquired for the spaceport.
- PM Modi laid the foundation stone in 2024.
- India's current primary spaceport is at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Why in the news?
ISRO is set to launch rockets from its second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, from 2027. The Tamil Nadu government has acquired and handed over about 2,300 acres of land for the facility.
Summary
- ISRO's second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, will begin rocket launches from 2027.
- The Tamil Nadu government acquired and handed over approximately 2,300 acres of land for the spaceport.
- Currently, India's only major spaceport is the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the spaceport in 2024 in the coastal village of Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi district.
Highlights
Infrastructure Progress
The Tamil Nadu government has completed land acquisition of about 2,300 acres, and construction is progressing successfully.
India's Two Spaceports: Sriharikota vs Kulasekarapattinam
| Feature | Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) | Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh | Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu |
| Status | Operational since 1971 | Under construction |
Background GK
Textbook concepts you need to understand this news
- Spaceport / Launch Site
- A facility equipped with launch pads, assembly buildings, and tracking systems used to launch spacecraft. Key requirements include proximity to the equator, a clear eastward launch corridor over water, and safety zones.
- Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR
- India's primary spaceport located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It is operated by ISRO and has been the launch site for all major Indian missions including Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan.
- Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
- A three-stage launch vehicle developed by ISRO to launch small satellites (up to 500 kg) to low Earth orbit. It is designed for on-demand, low-cost launches and can be assembled in a few days.
Facts to remember
Tap a card to see the answer. Try to recall it first.
How exams will ask this
- Data: First launch from Kulasekarapattinam expected in 2027
- Data: Land acquired: about 2,300 acres
- Data: Foundation stone laid in 2024 by PM Modi
Don't make this mistake!
Examiners may swap the location: Kulasekarapattinam is in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, not Andhra Pradesh. They may also confuse it with the existing Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Another trap is mixing up the land area or the year of foundation stone laying.
Write these in mains answers
- Space infrastructure expansion, Small satellite launch ecosystem, Decentralisation of launch capabilities, India's commercial space ambitions
Stuck? Get it in one tap
- ISRO's second spaceport is at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
- The first launch from Kulasekarapattinam is expected in 2027.
- About 2,300 acres of land was acquired for the spaceport.
- PM Modi laid the foundation stone in 2024.
- India's current primary spaceport is at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
- Science and Technology: Space technology and ISRO missions
- Geography: Location of spaceports and their strategic importance
Related concepts: Spaceport / Launch Site, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Which organisation is responsible for the development and operation of the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport in Tamil Nadu?
Explanation: ISRO is the nodal agency for all space activities in India, including the development of new launch sites. NSIL is the commercial arm, Antrix handles marketing, and the Department of Space is the parent ministry. The spaceport is being built and operated by ISRO itself.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements regarding India's new spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam:
- 1.The spaceport is located in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu.
- 2.The foundation stone for the spaceport was laid by the President of India in 2024.
- 3.The Tamil Nadu government acquired about 2,300 acres of land for the project.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: the spaceport is in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. Statement 2 is incorrect: the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024, not the President. Statement 3 is correct: about 2,300 acres of land was acquired by the state government. Hence option C is correct.
- Q3Medium
When is the first rocket launch expected from the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport?
Explanation: ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced that the first launch from Kulasekarapattinam will take place next year, which from the news's date of November 2026 means 2027. The other options are incorrect as the launch is not expected in 2025, 2026, or 2028.
- Q4Medium
What is the primary strategic advantage of establishing India's second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam?
Explanation: The southern location allows rockets to fly directly over the Indian Ocean without overflying land, reducing fuel and trajectory constraints. This is ideal for small satellite launches to polar orbits. Heavier satellites and Gaganyaan missions will still primarily use Sriharikota. Equator proximity helps but is not the main advantage here.
Frequently asked questions
1. Where is India's new spaceport located?
The new spaceport is located at Kulasekarapattinam in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu.
2. When will the first rocket launch from Kulasekarapattinam take place?
The first launch from Kulasekarapattinam is expected in 2027.
3. How much land has been acquired for the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport?
The Tamil Nadu government has acquired about 2,300 acres of land for the spaceport.
4. Who laid the foundation stone for the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the spaceport in 2024.
All sources
- Original5 November 2026 · Read story
