Explanation: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to establish a new rocket launch pad near Kulasekarapattinam, a coastal town in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. This decision is based on several strategic and geographical factors that make Kulasekarapattinam an ideal location for a rocket launch site.
Kulasekarapattinam is situated on the eastern coast of India, which provides a direct path over the Bay of Bengal. This location allows rockets to be launched over water, reducing the risk to human populations and minimizing the environmental impact. Additionally, the latitude of Kulasekarapattinam is advantageous for launching satellites into geostationary orbits, as it is closer to the equator, which requires less fuel for the rocket to reach the desired orbit.
The Indian space program has been expanding rapidly, and the need for additional launch sites has become evident. The existing launch sites, such as the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, are already handling a significant number of launches. The new launch pad near Kulasekarapattinam will help to distribute the launch load and increase the capacity of the Indian space program.
The selection of Kulasekarapattinam for the new launch pad is also influenced by the local infrastructure and support systems. The town and its surrounding areas have the potential to support the logistical and operational requirements of a space launch facility. The government has been working on developing the necessary infrastructure, including roads, communication networks, and security measures, to facilitate the construction and operation of the new launch pad.
It is important to note that the Indian space program has been making significant strides in recent years, with successful missions such as the Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission and the Mangalyaan Mars mission. The establishment of a new launch pad near Kulasekarapattinam is a testament to the growing capabilities and ambitions of the Indian space program.
In conclusion, the correct answer is that the Union Government is planning to set up a new rocket launch pad near Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu. This decision is based on the strategic and geographical advantages of the location, as well as the need to expand the capacity of the Indian space program.