The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has commenced the process of soliciting bids for the installation of an advanced rail track system at the upcoming Second Launch Complex (SLC) located in Kulasekarapattinam. This facility is intended to support small rocket launches upon its completion. The Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) is looking for companies to supply, erect, and commission around 1,700 meters of heavy-duty rail tracks, which will facilitate the transportation of fully integrated launch vehicles from the assembly area to the launch pad, a distance of approximately 740 meters.
Rail system designed to accommodate the Mobile Launch Structure (MLS)
The rail system is specifically engineered to accommodate the Mobile Launch Structure (MLS) carrying Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) class rockets, with a maximum payload capacity of 570 tonnes. The project demands the installation of specialized rails that can endure individual bogie wheel loads reaching up to 100 tonnes. As stated in project documents, the rail tracks must maintain level differences across their spans within a tolerance of ±1 millimeter to ensure the stability of the launch vehicles during transit.
Additional technical requirements include a curved segment with a mean radius of curvature of 300 meters, alongside a perpendicular cross-track system featuring a 9-meter gauge, which will serve as a parking area for the MLS when it is not operational. A noteworthy aspect of the design is the axle-turning mechanism located at track junctions, which will allow the bogie system to transition smoothly between the main track (6.5-meter gauge) and the cross tracks (9-meter gauge). This transfer will involve temporarily anchoring the MLS to the ground, manually rotating the bogie into the desired track alignment, and subsequently repositioning the structure.
Expected timeline for project completion is 29 weeks
The expected timeline for project completion is 29 weeks following the placement of the order. Payment terms stipulate full payment within 30 days of successful erection, testing, and acceptance by ISRO. According to the contract, there are provisions for liquidated damages amounting to 0.5% per week for any delays, which will be capped at 10% of the total contract value.
Earlier, the Department of Space (DoS) indicated that the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport is slated for commissioning in the upcoming fiscal year of 2026-27. The government has allocated approximately Rs 986 crore for the development of this facility. The DoS has highlighted the specific advantages of the Kulasekarapattinam launch site, particularly regarding payload capacity and its comparison to the existing launch facility at Sriharikota. The new site is expected to bolster the payload capabilities of SSLV-class launch vehicles while facilitating launches to polar orbits.
When launching to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSPO) from Sriharikota, additional maneuvers are required to prevent the descent of spent stages over land masses, which adversely affects payload capability. The DoS noted that the payload capability of the SSLV for SSPO from Kulasekarapattinam is estimated to be around 300 kg, while the equivalent capability from Sriharikota is insufficient for meaningful payloads. Following its commissioning, launches of SSLV and similar vehicles from the private sector are anticipated to take place from the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport.