Government of India is planning to set up a new rocket launch pad at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu. Currently, the Indian Space Research organisation (Isro) has two launch pads at Sriharikotta, Andhra Pradesh. The development comes on the backdrop of increasing launches from India, both for domestic and international customers.
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The new launch pad is intended to be used for future Indian rockets like the Unified Modular Launch Vehicle, Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III and Avatar RLV (Avatar Reusable Launch Vehicle), small satellite launch vehicle, as well as the older ones like Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. ISRO is developing the next variant of GSLV is GSLV Mk III, with indigenous high thrust cryogenic engine and stage, having the capability of launching 4 tonne class of communication satellites. The space agency is also working on small rockets to carry small satellites.