Parliament Question: Spaceport project at Kulasekarapattinam

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2374 TO BE ANSWERED ON THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026 SPACEPORT PROJECT AT KULASEKARAPATTINAM 2374. SMT. RAJATHI: Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state: (a) the details of funds allocated and actual expenditure incurred on the Spaceport project at Kulasekarapattinam till date; (b) whether the target for the first rocket launch by December, 2026 remains on schedule; (c) whether the Central Government has a specific policy to ensure gender-inclusive leadership in the management and operations of the second spaceport project there; and (d) the number of annual launches envisaged once the facility is fully commissioned? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH): **** (a) The overall financial outlay for the Acquisition of land and establishment of new launch pad for Small Satellite Launch Vehicle is Rs 985.96 Crore. The cumulative expenditure incurred in the project till end of February 2026 is Rs 511.35 Crore.(b) Currently, the establishment of the second launch pad is in progress at Kulasekarapattinam which is expected to be completed during FY 2026-27 timeframe. Once the facility is fully commissioned and made operational, the first rocket launch will be scheduled. (c) It may be noted that ISRO’s HR Policies are gender-neutral ensuring equal participation & opportunity to all employees in various capacities in the organization. The promotion process in ISRO is gender-neutral and merit based which also ensures gender-inclusivity in taking up leadership roles in the organization. (d) Once the facility is fully operational, annually 20-25 launches is expected from the spaceport. ****