Archive · 9 Aug 2026
IN-SPACe invites private operators for new Thoothukudi space port
The Indian space agency ISRO is building a new place for launching rockets, like an airport for spaceships.
It is called a space port and it is being built in Kulasekarapattinam, a town in Tamil Nadu, India.
This will be India's second space port — the first one is in Sriharikota.
The space port is specially made to launch small satellites into space.
India's space office, called IN-SPACe, is asking big companies to help run and take care of the space port.
Only companies that have been working for at least seven years and earn a lot of money can apply.
ISRO will teach the chosen company how to do the launches.
A neat thing about this place is that rockets can fly straight south over the ocean, which saves fuel.
This will help Indian private companies, like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos, which are building their own rockets.
ISRO has already launched more than 400 satellites for customers around the world.
IN-SPACe has issued an Expression of Interest for the operation and management of the SSLV Launch Complex in Kulasekarapattinam, near Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
The complex is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2026 and will be ISRO's second space port after the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Qualifying applicants must be operational for at least seven years, with an annual turnover above ₹2,000 crore for any three of the last five years and a minimum net worth of ₹1,000 crore.
ISRO will provide technical guidance, operational support, training and handholding until the selected party completes three launch services or one year, whichever is earlier.
The roughly 2,300-acre complex will handle commercial and polar launches of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, with a location that lets rockets fly straight south over the Indian Ocean to reduce fuel consumption.
- Who
- IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), on behalf of ISRO, is inviting experienced Indian companies to operate the new launch complex.
- What
- An Expression of Interest (EOI) has been issued for the operation and management of the soon-to-launch SSLV Launch Complex.
- When
- The EOI was published on August 9, 2026; the complex is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2026.
- Where
- Kulasekarapattinam, near Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Why
- To bolster India's private launch capabilities and handle commercial and polar launches of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
- Organisation
- IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre)
- Launch Complex
- SSLV Launch Complex (SLC)
- Location
- Kulasekarapattinam, near Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
- Expected Commissioning
- End of 2026
- Complex Area
- Roughly 2,300 acres
- Operator Eligibility
- At least 7 years operational; annual turnover above ₹2,000 crore for any 3 of the last 5 years; minimum net worth of ₹1,000 crore
- Rocket Served
- Commercial and polar launches of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
- Milestone
- ISRO's second space port after the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota