India’s space program is preparing for a major leap with the upcoming Kulasekarapattinam launch complex in Tamil Nadu. This new spaceport, expected to be ready by 2026, is designed to solve one of India’s biggest launch challenges, the dogleg maneuver.

Currently, rockets launched from Sriharikota must make a sharp turn mid-flight to avoid flying over Sri Lanka when heading toward polar orbits. This “dogleg” path consumes extra fuel, reduces payload capacity, and raises costs, especially for Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV).

The Kulasekarapattinam site changes the game. Located on India’s southern coast, it offers a direct path to the Indian Ocean, allowing rockets to fly southward without crossing land. This means:

• No dogleg maneuver required

• Higher efficiency and payload capacity

• Lower launch costs

• Boost for India’s private space sector

For UPSC aspirants, this development neatly connects science and technology (space missions), geography (launch site location), and policy (strategic infrastructure), making it a high-value topic for exams.