Representative photo (PTI)
BENGALURU: Isro has begun the process to find companies that can install a sophisticated rail track system at its upcoming Second Launch Complex (SLC) in Kulasekarapattinam, which will cater to small rocket launches once it gets commissioned. The Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) has invited bids for the supply, erection, and commissioning of approximately 1,700 meters of heavy-duty rail tracks that will transport fully integrated launch vehicles from the assembly facility to the launch pad—a distance of about 740 meters.The rail system will be designed to carry the Mobile Launch Structure (MLS) loaded with the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) class of rockets, with a maximum payload capacity of 570 tonnes. The project involves installing special grade rails capable of withstanding individual bogie wheel loads of up to 100 tonnes.“This is not just a conventional rail system”, project documents accessed by TOI, read. “The tracks must maintain level differences across rails within just ±1 millimeter to ensure the stability of the launch vehicle during transportation.”The complex engineering requirements include a curved segment with a 300-meter mean radius of curvature, as well as a perpendicular cross-track system with a 9-meter gauge that will allow the MLS to be parked when not in use. A unique feature of the system is the axle-turning arrangement at track junctions, which will enable the bogie system to switch between the main track (6.5-meter gauge) and cross tracks (9-meter gauge). During this operation, the MLS will be temporarily placed on ground anchors while the bogie is lifted, manually rotated to align with the desired track direction, and then repositioned.Work is scheduled to be completed within 29 weeks of order placement, with payment terms of 100% within 30 days after successful erection, testing, and acceptance by Isro. The project includes liquidated damages of 0.5% per week for delays, capped at 10% of the total contract value.The Department of Space (DoS) had earlier said that the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport is targeted to be commissioned in the next fiscal (2026-27). The Govt has allocated nearly Rs 986 crore for the project.DoS, while detailing specific advantages of the Kulasekarapattinam launch site in terms of payload capacity and its comparison with the existing launch facility at Sriharikota, had said: “The new site will enhance payload capability of launch vehicles in the class of SSLV, while launching satellites to polar orbits.”Launches to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSPO) from Sriharikota need maneuvering of the rocket to avoid the impact of spent stages over landmasses and this will significantly reduce the payload capability. “The payload capability of SSLV to SSPO while launching from Kulasekarapattinam is about 300kg whereas the capability is inadequate for a useful payload while launching from Sriharikota,” as per DoS.Post commissioning, the launches of SSLV and equivalent launch vehicles from the private sector are expected to be carried out from Kulasekarapattinam spaceport.