In a bid to expand the space infrastructure in the country amid growing global competition in the sector, the Department of Space has approved setting up of common technical facilities (CTFs) in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. These facilities will be equipped with high-end testing, validation and integration infrastructure. The govts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have identified land parcels for setting up plug-and-play manufacturing clusters exclusively for space activities. The CTFs will be established within these manufacturing clusters.Space regulator and promoter IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Kumar Goenka said, “Realisation of the space system requires capital intensive facilities. The establishment of CTFs equipped with capital intensive systems is a critical step in creating a robust, industry-led space ecosystem in India. The private space industries, including startups, MSME and large industries will be able to access these facilities without having to invest and operate similar facilities in their own premises. The two clusters have already garnered strong industry interest, backed by investment commitments and participation from private sector players.”About 10 states have expressed interest in establishing similar space manufacturing clusters, reflecting strong nationwide momentum towards building a distributed space industrial base.IN-SPACe will play a pivotal role in procuring, installing and commissioning the technical infrastructure, operating the facilities for a defined period, and subsequently transferring ownership to state govts. The agency is also supporting states in the conceptualisation and development of dedicated space manufacturing clusters.The Gujarat govt has identified a land parcel near Ahmedabad for developing a space manufacturing cluster. The cluster will focus on “spacecraft, payload systems and space-based applications”, supporting the end-to-end development and testing of spacecraft components and payloads. In line with this theme, the common technical facility at Khoraj will house advanced, capital-intensive infrastructure required for spacecraft systems’ realisation.Gujarat chief secretary Manoj Kumar Das said: “Gujarat has consistently pioneered new industrial frontiers for the nation, and the space manufacturing park in Khoraj is another such forward-looking initiative.”The Tamil Nadu govt proposes to establish a space vehicles cluster in Thoothukudi, with a focus on “manufacturing, testing and integration of launch vehicle systems”. Strategically located near the upcoming small vehicle launch complex (SLC) at Kulasekharapatnam, the cluster is positioned to support the growing demand for small launch vehicles.The facility will cater to critical manufacturing and integration requirements, including structural testing, propulsion validation, and full-system integration. Planned infrastructure includes vibration, shock, pressure, and flow testing systems, thermal vacuum testing, and specialised assembly units. M Sai Kumar, Tamil Nadu chief secretary, said: “We are delighted that Dept of Space has sanctioned Rs 100 crore to set up space vehicle common testing facility centre (SV CTFC) in Thoothukudi. The state government, through TIDCO, will provide the necessary land and building for this facility. SV CTFC will be a critical asset for fulfilling our vision of making Tamil Nadu a space industry manufacturing hub. We will work with IN-SPACe to make this facility functional at the earliest.”
