India plans to expand its space launch facilities, with four functional launch pads expected by 2029, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan has said. The plan includes a dedicated launch complex for Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu and a third launch pad at Sriharikota.
Narayanan announced the plans while addressing the convocation of a private university at Porur, near Chennai. He said the expansion would help India meet the growing demand for satellite launches in India and across the world.
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New SSLV Launch Complex in Tamil Nadu
The upcoming spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam, in Thoothukudi district, will cover 2,000 acres. It will have dedicated facilities to support SSLV launches.
The complex will include integration buildings, launch pads, rail-track systems, and telemetry, tracking, and command systems. These facilities will support launch operations as ISRO works to increase its satellite launch capacity.
Narayanan also stressed the importance of working with private companies to meet the rising demand for thousands of satellites.
Gaganyaan Uncrewed Test Planned Within Two Months
ISRO plans to conduct the first uncrewed test flight of the Gaganyaan mission within the next two months, Narayanan said. Two more uncrewed tests will follow before the crewed mission.
The tests will check the spacecraft’s safety systems and its ability to support astronauts. They will assess environmental control systems, crew escape mechanisms and the crew module’s interiors under different pressure, temperature and humidity conditions.
ISRO has conducted around 8,000 ground-based experiments for the mission. Four astronaut-designates are also undergoing specialised training.
These tests will help ISRO assess key systems before sending astronauts into space.
Chandrayaan-5 to Carry a 350 kg Rover
Narayanan also spoke about Chandrayaan-5, a planned lunar mission in collaboration with Japan’s space agency.
The mission will feature a 350 kg rover designed to carry out experiments on the lunar surface for 100 days. The collaboration will support India’s plans for further lunar exploration.
ISRO Will Not Be Privatised
Narayanan clarified that ISRO would not be privatised. However, he underlined the need for partnerships with private companies to meet the growing demand for satellite launches.
With demand rising both in India and globally, collaboration with private firms will be important for expanding launch capacity.
The planned launch facilities, Gaganyaan tests, and Chandrayaan-5 mission reflect ISRO’s efforts to expand India’s space operations and strengthen its satellite launch capabilities.