New Delhi: The Minister for Science and Technology of Gujarat, Arjun Modhwadia has informed the legislative assembly on Monday that a suitable location for establishing a spaceport in the state has been identified through consultation with Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the single-window clearing agency for all space activities from India. The propised site is located between Diu and Kodinar. Modhiwadia said, “As per our request, IN-SPACe has found a suitable location which can be developed as a launchpad for putting satellites into orbit, just like Sriharikota. That location is situated between the Union Territory of Diu and Kodinar. We are now moving forward in that direction.”
Last year, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat all introduced their own space policy documents. These states want a greater share in the space economy, with increasing competitive federalism in India’s space sector as states chart their own space roadmaps independent of the centre or ISRO. The Gujarat state government is also setting up the Gujarat Space Park at Sanad, spread across 100 acres. Modhiwadia indicated that a number of space technology-based industrial units are expected to come up at the facility. Modhiwadia highlighted grassroots development in the space sector, with OmSpace launching the first sounding rocket from Gujarat. The rocket reached an altitude of three kilometres and was recovered using a parachute.
Azista Aerospace
Azista Aeropsace, one of the three Indian new space startups tapped by IN-SPACe to develop domestic, modular satellite buses. Modhiwadia indicated Azista BST Aerospace has started establishing a small satellite manufacturing unit at the space park, with an investment of 500 crore. Modhiwadia said, “I am happy to say that Azista Aerospace has started work to manufacture small satellites at a cost of Rs 500 crore, and the process of allocating land to them has begun.” This is expected to be the first private-sector satellite manufacturing plant in India capable of end-to-end operations. The manufacturing facility will have capabilities for designing, engineering, assembling and testing satellites.