Limited Launch Infrastructure in India – Need for Spaceport Expansion

Context:
A Parliamentary Committee on Science & Technology has flagged risks arising from India’s limited launch infrastructure, urging expansion including a new spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam (Tamil Nadu).

Key Highlights:

• Current Infrastructure

• India has only one operational spaceport:
  • Satish Dhawan Space Centre (Sriharikota)
• Contains two launch pads:
  • Built in early 1990s and 2005

• Issues Highlighted

• Limited capacity may restrict future launch frequency.
• Dependence on a single spaceport increases vulnerability to disruptions:
  • Natural disasters
  • Technical failures

• New Developments

• Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport (Tamil Nadu) under development.
• Dedicated to Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV).

• Strategic Need

• Rising demand for:
  • Small satellites (communication, remote sensing)
  • Commercial space launches

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Spaceport:
  • Facility for launching spacecraft/rockets.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC):
  • Located at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
  • India’s primary launch site.
• Launch Pad:
  • Platform from which rockets are launched.
• SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle):
  • Designed for launching small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Faster turnaround, cost-effective.
• Kulasekarapattinam:
  • Located in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu.

Relevant Mains Points:

• Strategic Importance:
  • Enhances India’s space capabilities and competitiveness.
  • Supports growing global small satellite market.
• Economic Benefits:
  • Boosts commercial launches and space economy.
  • Attracts private sector participation (IN-SPACe reforms).
• Security Dimensions:
  • Space infrastructure critical for:
    • Navigation (NavIC)
    • Surveillance
    • Communication systems
• Risks of Limited Infrastructure:
  • Operational bottlenecks
  • Reduced launch frequency
  • Strategic vulnerability
• Governance Issues:
  • Need for long-term planning and investment.
  • Coordination between ISRO, private players, and government.

• Way Forward:

• Expedite Kulasekarapattinam spaceport completion.
• Develop multiple launch sites across coasts.
• Encourage private launch infrastructure (startups, PPP model).
• Strengthen space policy and regulatory ecosystem.
• Invest in next-gen launch technologies (reusable rockets).

UPSC Relevance:
• GS Paper 3: Science & Technology, Space Sector
• GS Paper 2: Governance, Institutional Capacity