BENGALURU: Space promoter-cum-regulator IN-SPACe has begun the process of handing over the 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.As per initial plans for the second spaceport, spread across approximately 2,233 acres, the govt had said that post commissioning, the launches of SSLV and equivalent launch vehicles from the private sector are expected to be carried out from there. IN-SPACe is now taking that one step further by inviting private players to take over operations and maintenance.To identify a suitable industry partner, IN-SPACe has issued an expression of interest (EoI) inviting proposals from eligible Indian entities to operate and manage the new launch complex, which is being built primarily for launches involving small rockets.“To facilitate a smooth transition and capability development, Isro will provide the selected party with the necessary technical guidance, operational support, training, and handholding assistance for a defined period up to the completion of three launch services provided by the selected party to launch vehicle operators, or one year, whichever is earlier,” as per IN-SPACe.The selected operator will be responsible for end-to-end management of the launch complex, including launch campaign operations, maintenance of facilities and systems, safety and security, mission readiness, asset management, logistics and co-ordination with Isro, IN-SPACe and launch customers.The SLC forms part of the new Kulasekarapattinam spaceport being developed by Isro as India’s second launch site. Located on the Tamil Nadu coast, around 55km from Thoothukudi, the site offers advantages for small satellite launches into polar and Sun-synchronous orbits.Unlike launches from Sriharikota, rockets from Kulasekarapattinam can fly directly south over the Indian Ocean without having to execute a dog-leg manoeuvre to avoid flying over Sri Lanka. This improves payload capability, reduces fuel requirements and makes missions more efficient, particularly for the SSLV.The launch complex has been designed to support a high launch cadence with faster turnaround between missions. Isro’s SSLV itself was developed for on-demand launches of small satellites, requiring fewer personnel and shorter integration times than larger launch vehicles. Together, the vehicle and the new launch complex are expected to cater to the growing domestic and global demand for dedicated small satellite launches.In the past few months, IN-SPACe has called upon industry to handover technologies of PSLV and LVM-3 launch vehicles developed by Isro, while technology for SSLV has already been procured by defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for Rs 511 crore.In June, the agency invited private firms to build and operate ground stations inside one of Isro’s important facilities, the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC). The EoI sought up to three Indian companies to establish and run satellite ground stations within the NRSC campus at Shadnagar, on the outskirts of Hyderabad.Aside from this, as first reported by TOI, IN-SPACe will also implement two new schemes that will give Indian private space companies and non-govt entities subsidies ranging from 30% to 100% on everything from launch services and technology transfer to satellite data and access to Isro facilities.
