Kulasekarapattinam launch complex to handle 20-25 satellite launches annually: ISRO Chairman

The upcoming rocket launching site at Kulasekarapattinam is planned to handle 20 to 25 satellite launches annually, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan said on Wednesday (August 27, 2025).

He made this announcement at the groundbreaking ceremony (bhumi puja) of the rocket launch pad, at Kulasekarapattinam.

Speaking to the media at the event, Mr. Narayanan said the land acquisition process for the launch complex had been completed, with 2,233 acres acquired for the project.

“Currently, ISRO operates the launch facility at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikotta, from where satellites of India and several other countries are launched through Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchorus Satellite Launch Vehicle. However, ISRO is now engaged in the construction of India’s second launching complex at Kulasekarapattinam,” he added.

He recalled the inauguration of the project by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024, and highlighted the intensive infrastructure development that has been under way at the site for the past six months.

“The construction of the rocket launching pad and other construction work have commenced today [August 27] at a cost of ₹100 crore. The rockets will be launched from the site through a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLC),” Mr. Narayanan said.

He further noted while Sriharikotta has two operational launch pads, construction of the third launch pad at the SDHC is in progress at a cost of around ₹4 crore.

“Do not assume that the rockets to be launched from Kulasekarapattinam will be smaller. Rockets weighing up to 500 kg will be launched from this site, through ISRO’s joint efforts. Private rockets will also be launched from the site, and the work will be completed by December 2026,” Mr. Narayanan added.

He also noted that ISRO is planning to launch rockets from Kulasekarappatinam by the fourth quarter of next year, adding that the Prime Minister will announce the exact launch date at the appropriate time.

Thoothukudi Collector K. Elambahavath, Padmakumar E.S, Director, SDSC SHAR, A. Rajarajan, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Thoothukudi SP Albert John, and other officials participated.