Nambi NarayananThe upcoming spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam is strategically important to the nation, and the state govt should take the initiative to promote the location. We are talking about private players associated with launches. For instance, a small satellite launcher developed by Indian space startup Skyroot Aerospace, which lifted off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in July, is probably an ideal vehicle to be launched from this site. Again, it depends on how the market develops.If you take advantage of locating or co-locating any of the associated activities, you have the Isro Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri in Tirunelveli district. In that sense, you have another facility which is, as the crow flies, close to the site at Kulasekarapattinam. The launch complex at Kulasekarapattinam may be controllable from Mahendragiri itself. If you want to look at potential, you can add certain facilities.Satellites are assembled and brought from the satellite centre at Bengaluru or any other satellite complex in development. Suppose, somebody puts a clean room of the required satellite class near the launch complex here. People may then like to come here and do the assembly, even though they may design the satellite elsewhere. Fabrication can be done in a different place. But the final assembly and environmental testing of the satellites can be done nearby if you have facilities to meet those requirements. This is one way you can enhance the area as far as satellite activities are concerned. You could do the same for launch-related activities.
MISSION CRITICAL: The state govt must create certain common facilities and social infrastructure to help draw companies and talent to the region
Liquid propulsion systems require a lot of precision fabrication, assembly and testing. These activities can be promoted at the Space Industrial and Propellant Park, provided you offer those facilities in this area, where components can be fabricated, assembled and tested before being taken to the launch complex. The fact that the park is located close to a launch complex has all the advantages. Space must be provided to companies that are interested in fabricating and testing components so that they will be drawn to the area. That will also enhance the potential for employment and workforce development. When the Tamil Nadu govt sets up such common facilities in the park, they must be established in consultation with experts from Isro.The families of those working here will require education, healthcare, housing and entertainment facilities. The state govt must create certain common facilities and social infrastructure here. Common facilities pertain to fabrication, assembly and testing in the park. The role of the Tamil Nadu govt is crucial in creating such infrastructure, which would, in turn, attract both industries and employees.The writer is former director of advanced technology and planning at Isro(As told to Yogesh Kabirdoss)
