India’s New Spaceport in Thoothukudi to Launch First Rocket in 2027
ISRO’s second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi, is set to launch its first rocket in 2027. The facility will mainly support Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) missions.
On 6 November 2026, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan announced that India’s second spaceport, located at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi, will see its first rocket launch next year. The site, which covers nearly 2,300 acres, was handed over to ISRO after the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28 February 2024. The primary purpose of the spaceport is to support launches of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
Key points
- Location: Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
- First launch expected: 2027
- Primary vehicle: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
- Construction progress: on track, land already transferred to ISRO
- Related milestone: NVS-03 navigation satellite successfully placed in geosynchronous orbit on 31 October 2026
Details
The spaceport was unveiled by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan during a press conference in Chennai, where he also unveiled a statue of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin at the Periyar Science and Technology Centre. The statue commemorates Gagarin’s historic flight on 12 April 1961. Narayanan highlighted Russia’s support to India’s space programme and thanked Russian Consul General Valery Khodzhaev for their cooperation.
Construction work at the Kulasekarapattinam site is progressing well. The facility will provide a dedicated launch pad for SSLV missions, which are designed to carry small satellites into orbit. The launchpad will complement ISRO’s existing launch infrastructure at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
What it means for students
Students interested in aerospace, engineering, and related fields should note that the new spaceport will create opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and employment in India’s growing space sector. Keep an eye on ISRO’s official website and the Tamil Nadu government’s announcements for upcoming recruitment drives and training programmes related to the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport.
Source: The New Indian Express. Written for students by the Isolated Study News Desk from public reports. Always check the official website for final dates and details.