ISRO to build second launch centre in salt-farming region of Tamil Nadu

The second spaceport for India's space programme will emerge in an unlikely setting—among the salt ponds and marshlands of Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. ISRO's decision to develop the launch centre in this coastal region marks a significant shift in the country's space infrastructure expansion strategy.

Thoothukudi district has long been synonymous with salt production, with workers toiling in extensive salt ponds that dot the landscape. The introduction of a space launch facility in Kulasekarapattinam adds a new dimension to the district's industrial profile, placing cutting-edge aerospace technology alongside centuries-old salt farming practices.

The new facility is intended to serve India's growing space launch requirements and reduce dependency on the existing Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The location's coastal proximity and geographic positioning make it suitable for satellite launch operations, particularly for missions targeting different orbital inclinations.

The development will require careful planning to balance the expansion of space infrastructure with the preservation of the region's traditional salt industry and marine ecosystems. Officials have indicated that the project will be implemented in phases, with infrastructure development beginning in the coming years. The initiative represents India's commitment to decentralizing its space launch capabilities while integrating modern technological advancement into regional economies.