IN-SPACe Moves To Privatise Operations Of Rs 986-Crore Spaceport

IN-SPACe has begun the process of handing over operations and management of the Rs 986-crore Small Satellite Launch Complex (SLC) being developed by ISRO at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu to the private sector.

The space promoter-cum-regulator has issued an expression of interest (EoI) inviting eligible Indian entities to operate and manage the new launch complex. The facility is being built primarily to support launches involving small rockets.

Private Sector To Manage New Launch Complex

The SLC is part of the new Kulasekarapattinam spaceport, which is being developed as India’s second launch site. The spaceport covers approximately 2,233 acres.

Under the initial plans, the government said launches of ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and equivalent private-sector launch vehicles would be carried out from the site after commissioning.

Now, IN-SPACe is taking the next step by seeking a private industry partner to manage the facility’s operations and maintenance.

The selected operator will handle end-to-end management of the launch complex. Its responsibilities will include launch campaign operations, maintenance of facilities and systems, safety and security, mission readiness, asset management, logistics and coordination with ISRO, IN-SPACe and launch customers.

To support the transition, ISRO will provide technical guidance, operational assistance, training and handholding for a defined period. This support will continue until the selected operator completes three launch services for launch vehicle operators or for one year, whichever comes first.

Kulasekarapattinam Designed For Small Satellite Launches

The Kulasekarapattinam site is located on the Tamil Nadu coast, around 55 km from Thoothukudi. It offers advantages for launching small satellites into polar and Sun-synchronous orbits.

Unlike launches from Sriharikota, rockets launched from Kulasekarapattinam can travel directly south over the Indian Ocean. They will not need to perform a dog-leg manoeuvre to avoid flying over Sri Lanka.

As a result, the launch route can improve payload capability and reduce fuel requirements. These advantages could make missions more efficient, particularly for the SSLV.

The launch complex has also been designed to support a high launch cadence. Faster turnaround between missions is expected to help meet demand for dedicated small satellite launches.

ISRO developed the SSLV for on-demand launches of small satellites. The vehicle requires fewer personnel and shorter integration times than larger launch vehicles.

Together, the SSLV and Kulasekarapattinam launch complex are expected to support growing domestic and global demand for small satellite launches.

IN-SPACe Expands Private Sector Role

IN-SPACe has increased efforts to transfer ISRO-developed technologies and infrastructure to private industry in recent months.

The agency has called on industry to take over technologies for the PSLV and LVM-3 launch vehicles developed by ISRO. Technology for the SSLV has already been procured by defence public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for Rs 511 crore.

In June, IN-SPACe also invited private companies to build and operate ground stations at the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), one of ISRO’s important facilities.

The EoI sought up to three Indian companies to establish and operate satellite ground stations within the NRSC campus at Shadnagar, on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, IN-SPACe is set to implement two schemes providing Indian private space companies and non-government entities with subsidies ranging from 30% to 100%.

The support will cover areas including launch services, technology transfer, satellite data and access to ISRO facilities.