The government is set to transfer the operation and management of India’s forthcoming Small-Satellite Launch Complex (SLC) at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu to a private entity. This decision reflects a significant advancement in integrating commercial players into India’s space infrastructure. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has issued Expressions of Interest (EOI) to eligible private Indian firms interested in taking over the SLC, which is in Thoothukudi district.

This initiative aligns with the reforms in the space sector, as well as the Indian Space Policy-2023, both of which aim to enhance private sector participation in space-related activities across the country. The newly established SLC will provide essential infrastructure for various launch vehicles, bolstering India’s capabilities in the global space arena.

Details of the New Spaceport

The upcoming SLC is being developed specifically for smaller launch vehicles, such as ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and privately operated rockets like Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 and Agnikul Cosmos’ Agnibaan. Noteworthy features of this complex include Upper Stage Assembly Facilities (UAF-I and UAF-II) that will aid in assembling the second and third stages of the SSLV, along with a Launch Service Building (LSB) for enhanced operational efficiency.

The location of the SLC provides strategic advantages as launching from Kulasekarapattinam allows for a direct trajectory southward, in contrast to the fuel-intensive “dogleg manoeuvre” required from Sriharikota. This design is expected to reduce fuel consumption considerably and increase the payload capacity for launches, marking a notable improvement in launch efficiency.

Moreover, the total investment for constructing the new spaceport is estimated to be around Rs 950 crore, emphasising the scale and ambition of this project.

Criteria for Private Sector Involvement

As part of the proposed arrangement, ISRO will facilitate the transition of the established facilities at the SLC to the selected private operator. This entity will be tasked with the operational management of the complex and will provide commercial launch services to various launch vehicle operators. To ensure a seamless transition, ISRO will extend technical guidance, operational support, training, and ongoing assistance to the private operator until the completion of three launch services or for one year, whichever occurs first.

The EOI, however, stipulates specific eligibility criteria for interested companies. These applicants must be non-government entities under Indian ownership and must have had operational capabilities for a minimum of seven years. Furthermore, they are required to demonstrate experience with large infrastructure projects and must report cumulative transactions amounting to at least Rs 3,500 crore over the last seven years.

Additionally, firms must meet rigorous financial benchmarks, including an average annual turnover exceeding Rs 2,000 crore over any three years within the past five years, along with a minimum net worth of Rs 1,000 crore at the time of application submission. Companies will need to register and pay a non-refundable fee of Rs 50,000 on the Bharatkosh portal to obtain the EOI document, with the registration deadline set for August 24, 2026. A site visit to the SLC is slated for September 10, followed by a pre-EOI meeting in Ahmedabad on September 15.

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