Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport - News and discussions

[Alamarathan]

ISRO's upcoming Kulasekarapattinam spaceport touted to be both strategic and commercial asset to our future space endeavors.

Apart from weight savings,this spaceport offers one more advantage of being vertically integrated with the rocket parts manufacturing and the logistics associated with it,which improves per launch costs and frequency.

Nearby town called mahendragiri which is already hosting isro's propulsion complex expected to be the future hub of multiple aerospace manufacturing facilities.


Considering these factors,i believe this spaceport deserves a thread to post updates and discuss its development.

 

[Alamarathan]

I request fellow forum members to post their related updates here,

@Indx TechStyle @Vamsi @Swesh and @all

 

[Alamarathan]

Space industrial parks planned near the upcoming spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi
December 16, 2022 12:41 am | Updated 05:40 pm IST - CHENNAI

Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. is in discussions with Indian Space Research Organisation to enhance the Kulasekharapatnam spaceport’s efficiency by geographic shrinking of supply chain, says Thangam Thennarasu

Space industrial parks planned near the upcoming spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi

Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. is in discussions with Indian Space Research Organisation to enhance the Kulasekharapatnam spaceport’s efficiency by geographic shrinking of supply chain, says Thangam Thennarasu

www.thehindu.com

 

[Swesh]

Parliament discussion on Kulasekarapattinam launch site

 

[Vamsi]

@Swesh what do you think, which kind of Launch Pad may ISRO set up here??

Integrate on Pad concept similar to FLP or Integrate, Transfer & Launch concept like SLP??

I'm thinking it might be similar to FLP

 

[Swesh]

I also think that it would be similar to FLP

 

[Swesh]

(d)whether any expected timeframe is available for the space centre to be completed and made functional; and (e) if so, the details thereof?
Answer by MoS
(d) & (e) Generally, realization of such space launch centre infrastructure would take about 2 to 3 year time to become functional after the land acquisition and obtaining all statutory clearances.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

@Swesh what do you think, which kind of Launch Pad may ISRO set up here??

Integrate on Pad concept similar to FLP or Integrate, Transfer & Launch concept like SLP??

I'm thinking it might be similar to FLP

I also think that it would be similar to FLP

For 1-1.5 tonnes capacity rockets from ISRO and private launchers.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Updated boundary map of Kulasekaripattinam launch site
(Thanks Ohsin from Reddit).

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Centre approves establishment of new spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam for launching SSLVs: Jitendra Singh
The Indian Space Policy 2023 has the provision for utilisation of a spaceport for carrying out launch activities by Non-Government Entities

File picture of an SSLV ready for launch at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

The Centre has approved the establishment of a new spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, for carrying out the launches of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV) developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

The Indian Space Policy 2023 has the provision for utilisation of a spaceport for carrying out launch activities by Non-Government Entities (NGEs), subject to technical feasibility and range safety constraints.

The Policy has been approved and released into public domain. The Policy opens up the sector for enhanced participation of NGEs across the entire value chain of the space economy, while clearly delineating the roles of various stakeholders like IN-SPACe, ISRO, NewSpace India Limited and Department of Space.

Singh said that the the Government has set up the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) as a single-window agency for promotion and authorisation of space activities. The budget allocations for IN-SPACe are 2023-24 ₹95 crore; 2022-23 ₹33 crore and 2021-22 ₹10 crore.

LIGO-India project approved

The minister also informed that the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory – India (LIGO-India) project has been approved by the Government of India at an estimated cost of ₹2,600 crore, with Department of Atomic Energy as the Lead Agency. He said, after completion of the project, the LIGO-India will be operated as a national facility for detecting Gravitation Waves and Research in related areas of Astronomy.

Kulasekarapattinam will be used by private companies to launch small satellites into orbit.

On the new launch pad that ISRO is building at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district along the coast in Tamil Nadu, SIRO Chairman S Somanath said that nearly 99 per cent of the 2,000 acres has been transferred to ISRO by the Tamil Nadu government.

“It takes at least two years to become fully functional after the commencement of the construction work. However, we will be able to conduct some sub-orbital launches there,” he added.

Space Industrial Park

The Tamil Nadu government is planning to set up Space Industrial Park and Propellants Park near Thoothukudi to take advantage of the Centre’s move to build the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport.

Srinath Ravichandran, Co-founder and CEO of Agnikul Cosmos, in November told businessline that Kulasekarapattinam is a sweet spot for launching small satellites. “There is no land between that place and Antarctica, it’s a beautiful belt for launches. The rule is that you cannot fly over a land mass if you are not in orbit. By the time you are flying over Antarctica, you are in orbit.”

A cargo truck and four caravans are all that are required to launch small satellites, and Kulasekarapattinam is an ideal spot, he said.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

PM Modi to lay foundation for ISRO’s second spaceport on February 28
Tamil Nadu government has completed land acquisition for the ambitious project which will be built at a cost of Rs 950 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Credit: PTI Photo

Chennai: In two years’ time, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will get a second spaceport for launching small satellites in Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district which will prove to be geographically advantageous for the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for construction of the new facility on February 28 which will come up in an area of 2,233 acres in Padukkapathu, Pallakurichi, and Mathavankurichi villages in Kulasekarapattinam and Sathankulam taluks of the district.

The state government has completed land acquisition for the ambitious project which will be built at a cost of Rs 950 crore. The foundation ceremony comes close on the heels of the Centre allowing 100 per cent FDI in the space sector.

Also Read:ISRO's AstroSat observatory enables study of transient black hole X-Ray binary star system

To take advantage of the new facility and to create an ecosystem for the space industry in the region, the Tamil Nadu government is already working on setting up a Space Industrial and Propellants Park spread over an area of 2,000 acres in the district.

The second spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam, a town revered for its Dussehra celebrations, will function in addition to the existing spaceport in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The new facility will serve as a dedicated space for launching Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV) with the Union Government opening the doors for the private sector in space.

ISRO scientists said the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport will help save fuel as satellites launched from here can directly travel towards south unlike those launched from Sriharikota which fly in the southeast direction after liftoff from the Sathish Dhawan Space Centre to avoid flying over Sri Lanka and takes a sharp manoeuvre towards the South Pole.

ISRO chief S Somanath had in January said that the new spaceport will give the space agency higher payload capability and enable lower turnaround time for the launches.

With the global small satellite market projected to grow at a rapid pace across the globe, the state government will launch the Space Industrial and Propellants Park to attract space-related manufacturing and research and development (R&D) firms.

Accounting firm KPMG undertook a detailed study on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) to explore the feasibility for setting up the new park.

The new spaceport and the proposed Space park are expected to provide job opportunities to locals and infuse development in and around the coastal town.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

From reddit
NOTAM for sounding rocket at Kulasekarapatnam (Foundation day)
NOTAM
A0528/24 NOTAMN
Q) VOMF/QWMLW/IV/BO/W/000/999/
A) VOMF B) 2402280430 C) 2402290830
D) 0430-0830
E) ROCKET LAUNCH FM ISRO LAUNCH COMPLEX KULASEKARAPATNAM WILL TAKE
PLACE AS PER FLW DETAILS:
LAUNCH PAD COORD:0822N07802E
NO FLT IS PERMITTED OVER THE DNG ZONE.
DNG ZONE IS A CIRCLE OF 05NM AROUND THE LAUNCHER.
THE FLW ATS RTE IS AFFECTED IN CHENNAI FIR.
N640 NOT AVBL BTN TVM AND BIKOK
ALTN TVM R457 GUTEG P895 BIKOK
F) GND G) UNL
A0105/24 - FLW AREA HAS BEEN DECLARED AS A TEMPO DNG ZONE DUE TO
ROCKET LAUNCH FM ISRO LAUNCH COMPLEX KULASEKARAPATNAM BY INDIAN
AUTHORITIES.
A SECTOR BTN RADII OF 45NM AND 75NM FM THE COORD 0822N07802E AND BTN
AZIMUTH ANGLES 165 DEG AND 205 DEG FM TRUE NORTH.
OF ABOVE GIVEN AREA, THE AIRSPACE WHICH LIES LATERALLY WI COLOMBO TMA
WILL BE DECLARED AS TEMPO DNG ZONE. SFC - UNL, 0430-0830, 28 FEB 04:30 2024
UNTIL 29 FEB 08:30 2024. CREATED: 24 FEB 14

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Cross post
Rohini Sounding Rocket to be launched from Kulasekarapattinam

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has proposed to launch Rohini Sounding Rocket from its launch facility coming up at Kulasekarapattinam in the district.

In a statement, District Collector G. Lakshmipathi said ISRO had planned to launch a Rohini Sounding Rocket ‘RH – 200’ from its new spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam between 9.30 a.m. on February 28 and 2 p.m. on February 29.
Hence, ISRO had declared the area stretching up to 10 nautical miles (18 km) from the shoreline between Manappad Lighthouse and Periyathazhai groyne a ‘danger zone’ and warned fishermen and small ships against entering the zone, Mr. Lakshmipathi said.

Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Thoothukudi on Wednesday (February 28) to lay foundation stone for ISRO’s second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam, ISRO has planned to celebrate this historic occasion with the launch of Rohini Sounding Rocket.

 

[Varoon2]

Rohini sounding rocket( RH-200) launched from Kulasekarapattinam.

Honourable Prime Minister Lays the Foundation Stone for India's Second Spaceport

 

[Indx TechStyle]

ISRO's 2nd spaceport plan overlaid on the satellite imagery of the area. Rough location of the launch pad -

8°21'33.0"N 78°01'06.7"E

t.co

India's 2nd spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam can cater to 24 SSLV or small sat class LVs. Construction would be completed in the next 2 years. I wonder if private LV companies like Skyroot or Agnikul can build their own launch pad here. #ISRO

LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches various projects in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu

PM Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth more than Rs 17,300 crores in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. He r...

t.co

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Honourable Prime Minister Lays the Foundation Stone for India's Second Spaceport
February 28, 2024

In a momentous occasion for India's space ambitions, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remotely laid the foundation stone for India's second spaceport at Kulasekharapattanam, a coastal village in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district on February 28, 2024, at 09:45 hrs.

The selection of Kulasekharapattanam offers strategic advantages, particularly in enhancing payload capability with its direct southward launch trajectory for small launch vehicles.

The ceremony saw the esteemed presence of Shri Somanath S, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space (DoS), Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe and other senior officials.

The highlight of the event was the successful launch of the Rohini Sounding Rocket "RH200" from the newly established launch complex at 13:40 hrs IST. VSSC provided the rocket and the meteorological payload, while SDSC spearheaded the realization and installation of launch facilities including radars, launchers, and electronic systems.

The maiden launch from the new spaceport marked a significant milestone, with the RH200 rocket reaching a peak altitude of 75 km, precisely tracked by two on-site radars. The RH200 rocket, developed by VSSC, has a long-standing reputation for reliability, with this launch marking its 1928th successful mission.
Chairman, ISRO, Shri Somanath S., stated that today marks a historic day in the Indian space program as the Honorable PM laid the foundation for the second launch site, and a sounding rocket was successfully launched from the Kulasekharapattanam launch station. He further added that the launch site will be fully commissioned within 24 months and will enhance the space activities of NGEs.

Preparation for the RH200 Launch

The launch complex requirements were fulfilled through a comprehensive array of infrastructure facilities meticulously planned and executed within the shortest possible time at the new launch complex at Kulasai. The coordinated efforts of VSSC, IPRC, ISRO HQ, IISU, and SDSC-SHAR exemplified the cohesive teamwork within ISRO.

The RH 200 launch facilities were strategically laid out within the existing layout of SSLV facilities, adhering to stringent safety distance criteria. The sounding rocket launch pad coordinates were aligned with the IISU. Launchpad infrastructure, including integration & check-out facilities, assembly halls for preparation, and launch area services, were strategically grouped and sited into different zones considering functional requirements and local terrain.

The RH 200 launcher and associated systems were relocated from SDSC-SHAR and were erected, commissioned, and tested. Moreover, the portable radar of 10kw / 100µs pulse, a solid-state transmitter capable of tracking the chaff, was realized in-house with spare systems within two months. It underwent rigorous validation through continuous balloon-tracking trials.

For safe transportation of the RH 200 rocket within the launch complex, existing roads were augmented and strengthened, stretching approximately 3-4 km, transforming muddy roads into flight-worthy routes.

A comprehensive range-clearance procedure, safety and contingency plan, logistic arrangements, launch view galleries, medical facilities, fire tenders, and coastal boat patrolling, akin to SDSC-SHAR, were meticulously established, culminating in the safe and successful launch of the RH200.

Balloon Release Activities and Transportable Radar at Launch Complex at Kulasai

Assembly & Preparation and Launch Pad Facilities at Launch Complex at Kulasai

...

 

[Indx TechStyle]