ISRO Initiates Bidding for Advanced Rail Infrastructure at New Tamil Nadu Spaceport
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially commenced the procurement process to identify qualified companies capable of installing a highly sophisticated rail track system at its forthcoming Second Launch Complex (SLC) located in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu. This new facility is specifically designed to handle launches of small rockets and is slated for commissioning in the near future.
Precision Engineering for Rocket Transportation
The Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), operating under ISRO, has released a tender inviting bids for the comprehensive supply, erection, and commissioning of approximately 1,700 meters of heavy-duty rail tracks. These tracks will serve the critical function of transporting fully integrated launch vehicles from the assembly building to the launch pad, covering a distance of roughly 740 meters.
The rail system is engineered to support the Mobile Launch Structure (MLS) when loaded with rockets from the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) category, boasting an impressive maximum payload capacity of 570 tonnes. The project mandates the installation of special-grade rails that can endure individual bogie wheel loads of up to 100 tonnes, ensuring robust performance under extreme conditions.
Unprecedented Accuracy Requirements
According to project documents reviewed by sources, this is far from a standard railway installation. The tracks must maintain level differences across rails within an exceptionally tight tolerance of just ±1 millimeter. This extreme precision is essential to guarantee the stability and safety of the launch vehicle during its transportation phase, preventing any potential misalignments that could compromise mission success.
The complex engineering specifications include a curved section with a mean radius of curvature of 300 meters, as well as a perpendicular cross-track system featuring a 9-meter gauge. This cross-track arrangement allows for the parking of the MLS when it is not actively in use, optimizing space and operational efficiency at the launch complex.
Innovative Axle-Turning Mechanism
A distinctive feature of this advanced rail system is the incorporation of an axle-turning arrangement at track junctions. This mechanism enables the bogie system to seamlessly switch between the main track, which has a 6.5-meter gauge, and the cross tracks with their 9-meter gauge.
During this switching operation, the Mobile Launch Structure will be temporarily secured on ground anchors. The bogie is then lifted, manually rotated to align with the desired track direction, and carefully repositioned. This innovative design enhances flexibility and maneuverability within the launch complex.
Project Timeline and Financial Terms
The contracted work is scheduled to be completed within 29 weeks from the date of order placement. Payment terms stipulate that 100% of the contract value will be disbursed within 30 days following successful erection, thorough testing, and formal acceptance by ISRO authorities.
The project agreement includes provisions for liquidated damages in case of delays, set at 0.5% of the contract value per week, with a maximum cap of 10% of the total contract amount. This clause underscores the importance of adhering to the strict timeline for this critical infrastructure project.
Strategic Advantages of Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport
The Department of Space (DoS) has previously indicated that the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport is targeted for commissioning in the next fiscal year, 2026-27. The Government of India has allocated nearly Rs 986 crore for the development of this ambitious project.
In detailing the specific advantages of the Kulasekarapattinam launch site, the DoS highlighted significant benefits in terms of payload capacity compared to the existing launch facility at Sriharikota. The new site is expected to substantially enhance the payload capability of launch vehicles in the SSLV class when deploying satellites into polar orbits.
Launches aimed at Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSPO) from Sriharikota currently require complex rocket maneuvering to avoid the impact of spent stages over landmasses. This maneuvering significantly reduces the available payload capacity. According to the DoS, the payload capability of SSLV to SSPO when launching from Kulasekarapattinam is approximately 300 kilograms, whereas the capability is inadequate for a useful payload when launching from Sriharikota.
Once commissioned, the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport is expected to host launches of SSLV and equivalent launch vehicles, including those developed by the private sector. This move aligns with India's broader strategy to bolster its space launch capabilities and foster greater participation from commercial entities in the space industry.
