ISRO to Have Four Functional Launch Pads by 2029: V Narayanan Announces Expansion Plans

Chairman V. Narayanan said that ISRO intends to upgrade the number of operational launch pads in the country up to four by 2029. As per the roadmap, a separate SSLV launch facility of 2,000 acres is being planned in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu. There will also be an increased involvement of private space agencies in the process. The move is expected to cater to the increasing requirement for launching satellites. Besides, the preparation work for the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Mission and Chandrayaan-5 lunar mission was also reviewed.

Four Operational Launch Pads by 2029

V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, stated that the objective of the development of four operational launch pads is set by 2029 to enhance India’s capabilities of satellite launches and carry out commercial space operations. This decision is justified by the growing need for small-satellite launches, as well as the ability to conduct scientific, communication, navigation, and other space missions.

Nevertheless, the four operational launch pads should be separated from the officially documented infrastructure. As of March 2026, the Department of Space reported two operational launch pads at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR) in Sriharikota. The third launch pad has been approved by the government for construction in the 2029-2030 period and another SSLV launch pad will be constructed at Kulasekarapattinam.

Kulasekarapattinam SSLV Launch Complex in Tamil Nadu

The new SSLV launch complex will be built at Kulasekarapattinam in the Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu. It was chosen because it would allow launches in polar orbit and help decongest the facilities already available at Sriharikota.

The Union government has laid the foundation stone for the complex on February 28, 2024. Construction activities began in March 2025, and the launch pad foundation was laid in August 2025.

The complex is expected to accommodate SSLV launches and other launches made by non-government organizations in space.

Characteristics of SSLV Complex

• Location: Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi district, In the State of Tamil Nadu.
• Size: Roughly 2,000 acres, based on the announcement.
• Main function: Launches of the small satellites, especially into polar orbit.
• Facilities: Vehicle integration building, stages preparation building, launch pad, rail track facilities, telemetry, telecommand, and tracking.
• Commercial function: Assistance in to conducting the launch services by ISRO and eligible non-governmental organizations.
• Launch vehicle: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

What Is the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)?

The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle is a three-stage, all-solid-propellant launch vehicle being developed by ISRO for the small satellite class. This launch vehicle is designed for rapid turnaround, reduced cost, and on-demand launching capabilities, which is a perfect solution for growing small satellite launches.

The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle is designed to launch satellites weighing up to 500 kg into LEO (Low Earth Orbit). The dedicated launch complex for this vehicle at Kulasekarapattinam is going to increase launch flexibility, especially to polar orbits such as Sun-synchronous orbits.

Chandrayaan-5: India-Japan Moon Mission Initiative

Narayanan further described the plan for Chandrayaan-5, an initiative in which the ISRO will collaborate with the Japanese space agency, JAXA.

As per the news release, the mission will involve the use of a 350 kg rover that will perform experiments on the lunar surface for about 100 days. This project is indicative of the growing cooperation between India and other nations regarding moon explorations.