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TN ideal spot for 3rd rocket launch pad: Scientists
A delegation comprising space scientists and volunteers from Tamil Nadu has made a representation to the Centre to set up the country’s third rocket launch pad at Kulasekarapattinam near the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri.
Chennai
They submitted a memorandum to union minister of state for PMO and Department of Space Jitendra Singh on Sunday, and explained the benefits of establishing a launch pad at Kulasekarapattinam instead of at Sriharikota, as proposed by a few in ISRO.
The Department has been trying to identify a suitable location for the third launch pad for a few years now. A rocket launched from Kulasekarapattinam would require only three stages and it would carry an additional 700-750kg payload, unlike vehicles launched from Sriharikota, which would require an extra (fourth) stage to perform a YAW maneuver (circumnavigate) to avoid Sri Lanka and part of Indonesia, a delegate told DTNext.
As regards the indigenously designed Mark-II GSLV cryogenic rockets, which put communication satellites at a height of 36,000kms, Kulasekarapattinam would be ideal as it is located only eight degrees from the equator, whereas Sriharikota is 13 degrees from the equator, the scientist explained, adding that proximity to equator is vital in GSLV launches, as they could carry an additional 350kg. Establishing the launch pad at Kulasekarapattinam would also give a strategic advantage to the country as regards security.
Most countries have launch pads at more than one location. Establishing them at same place (Sriharikota) would bring our space missions to a standstill in the event of a natural calamity or threat from enemies to the launch station (Sriharikota), felt the scientists.
Mission Kulasekarapattinam
- Being a cyclone-prone area, rocket launching operations at Sriharikota may have to be at least three months in a year.
- Countdown of one rocket will affect another launch pad activity at the same launch centre.
- After French Guyana, Kulasekarapattinam is believed to be ideal site to GSLV launches owing to proximity to equator.
- Scientists estimate that each stage costs Rs 125 crore per launch. Considering India’s mission to achieve 60 launches in five years, launches from Kulasekarapattinam could easily save over Rs 1,500 cr for the government.
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