Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) have announced a major collaboration to develop advanced Common Technical Facilities (CTF) at a proposed Space Manufacturing Park in Khoraj. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s private space ecosystem by providing shared testing and validation infrastructure for start-ups, MSMEs, and small manufacturers.
The announcement was made during the inaugural day of the 10th edition of the IN-SPACe Industry Connect event held in Ahmedabad.
Boost to India’s Private Space Ecosystem
The project will be developed under the Gujarat Space Tech Policy 2025–30 and is designed to support companies working in spacecraft, payload, and space technology development.
By offering access to high-end testing infrastructure, the facility is expected to reduce the cost burden on start-ups and improve innovation in the space sector.
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High-Level Event with Key Ministers and Officials
The announcement was made in the presence of Gujarat Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Officials highlighted that the initiative builds on national space sector reforms led under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which resulted in the creation of IN-SPACe as a regulatory and promotional body for private participation in the space industry.
Advanced Testing Infrastructure Planned at Khoraj
The proposed Common Technical Facility will include state-of-the-art infrastructure such as:
- Class 100,000 clean room with safety systems
- Thermo-vacuum chamber for environmental testing
- Vibration testing system (up to 12-ton payload capacity)
- EMI/EMC testing facilities
- Climate test chamber
- Mass properties measurement systems
- Magnetic field testing infrastructure
- Calibration facilities for Earth Observation optics
These facilities will help companies test and validate space-grade components within Gujarat itself.
IN-SPACe to Provide Technical Support and Funding
Under the agreement, IN-SPACe will provide technical assistance and contribute up to ₹100 crore for the procurement of specialised equipment.
The Gujarat government will fund the remaining construction, operation, and maintenance costs of both the Common Technical Facility and the larger Space Manufacturing Park.
50-Acre Space Park with Expansion Plans
The Gujarat government has allocated 50 acres of land at Khoraj for the Space Manufacturing Park, with provisions to expand the facility up to 100 acres in the future. The park will focus on end-to-end development of spacecraft, payload systems, and space-based applications, creating a complete ecosystem for space manufacturing and innovation.
Support for Start-ups and MSMEs
Officials said the initiative will significantly reduce entry barriers for start-ups and MSMEs by providing access to high-quality testing and validation infrastructure through a shared platform. This will also help shorten product development cycles, enhance system reliability, and reduce dependence on external facilities outside the state.
Gujarat’s Vision for Space Sector Growth
State officials, including Science and Technology Department Secretary P. Bharati and GSEM Mission Director Neha Kumari, said the Khoraj Space Park will play a key role in advancing India’s private space industry. They added that Gujarat is committed to building a strong innovation-driven ecosystem to support long-term growth in space technology and manufacturing.
The collaboration between Gujarat and IN-SPACe marks a significant step toward building world-class space infrastructure in India. The Khoraj Space Manufacturing Park is expected to emerge as a key hub for private space enterprises, boosting innovation, reducing costs, and strengthening India’s position in the global space economy.
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