DoS Clears Common Technical Facilities in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu to Boost Space Manufacturing and Launch Ecosystem

New Delhi, May 22, 2026. In a push to accelerate domestic manufacturing in the space sector, the Department of Space has approved the setting up of Common Technical Facilities in the States of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. These facilities will be equipped with high-end testing, validation, and integration infrastructure. The Governments of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have identified land parcels for setting up plug-and-play manufacturing clusters exclusively for space activities in their respective states. These common technical facilities will be established within these manufacturing clusters.

Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe said, “Realisation of space system require capital intensive facilities. The establishment of Common Technical Facilities 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 facility in their own premises. The two clusters have already garnered strong industry interest, backed by investment commitments and participation from private sector players.

IN-SPACe will continue to work closely with state governments to ensure these clusters evolve into engines of innovation, investment, and scale.”

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 the respective state governments. The agency is also supporting states in the conceptualisation and development of dedicated Space Manufacturing Clusters (SMCs).

About ten states have expressed interest in establishing similar space manufacturing clusters, reflecting strong nationwide momentum towards building a distributed space industrial base.

Space Manufacturing Park at Khoraj, Gujarat:

The Government of Gujarat 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.

Manoj Kumar Das (IAS), Chief Secretary, Govt. of Gujarat stated: “Gujarat has consistently pioneered new industrial frontiers for the nation, and the Space Manufacturing Park in Khoraj is another such forward-looking initiative.  It is not merely an infrastructure project; the Park equipped with curated state-of-the-art common facilities will be a strategic enabler for rapid growth of Space Tech manufacturing.”

Space Vehicles Cluster at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu:

The Government of Tamil Nadu 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. The initiative aligns with state’s broader vision to build a strong industrial base for launch vehicle manufacturing and attract investments into the space sector.

Dr. M. Sai Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Tamil Nadu said: “We are delighted that Dept of Spacehas 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. The advanced equipment in the  SV CTFC will enable launch vehicle assembling, satellite assembling and advanced  testing of various components. These facilities will be immensely helpful for the manufacturers in the space sector, particularly space tech startups. It will help the State to reap the full potential of the upcoming Spaceport in Thoothukudi district and it will enable generation of high-quality jobs in the southern region.  We will work with IN-SPACe to make this facility functional at the earliest”.

Both Common Technical Facilities will be commissioned within a defined financial framework, with IN-SPACe supporting the technical infrastructure, while the state governments will provide the land, the civil construction required for housing the equipment, and the overall civic infrastructure. The facilities will operate as shared platforms, enabling industry-wide access to advanced infrastructure.

These approvals signal strong commitment of both central and state Governments towards building high-quality space infrastructure across India. By aligning state-led industrial growth with national space priorities, this initiative is expected to unlock new opportunities across manufacturing, applications, and commercial launch services, while strengthening India’s position in the global space economy.

About IN-SPACe:

IN-SPACe was constituted in June 2020 following the Central Government’s decision to open up the space sector and enable the participation of Indian private sector in the gamut of space activities. The Indian National Space Promotion and authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), acts as a single-window, independent, nodal agency which functions as an autonomous agency in Department of Space (DOS).

IN-SPACe is responsible for the promotion, enabling, authorization, and supervision of various space activities of the Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) that include, among others, the building of launch vehicles & satellites and providing space-based services; sharing of space infrastructure and premises under ISRO; and establishment of new space infrastructure and facilities. The functions of IN-SPACe are being carried out by three Directorates viz., Promotion Directorate (PD), Technical Directorate (TD) and Program Management & Authorization Directorate (PMAD) and Administration, Finance & Legal Wing.