In response to increasing global competition in the space sector, the Department of Space has sanctioned the establishment of Common Technical Facilities (CTFs) in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. These facilities will be outfitted with advanced testing, validation, and integration infrastructure, aimed at enhancing the nation’s space capabilities.
The governments of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have indicated specific land parcels designated for setting up manufacturing clusters that will cater exclusively to space activities. The CTFs are planned to be installed within these manufacturing environments.
Pawan Kumar Goenka, chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), emphasized the importance of developing capital-intensive facilities for realizing space systems. He stated, “The establishment of CTFs equipped with capital-intensive systems is a critical step in creating a robust, industry-led space ecosystem in India.” This initiative is designed to provide private space industries, including startups, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and large corporations, access to cutting-edge facilities without necessitating large investments in their own infrastructure. Both clusters have already attracted significant industry interest, supported by investment commitments and participation from private sector entities.
The initiative has garnered interest from about ten other states eager to develop similar space manufacturing clusters, indicating strong nationwide momentum towards establishing a distributed space industrial base. IN-SPACe is set to play a crucial role in obtaining, installing, and commissioning the requisite technical infrastructure while operating the facilities for a specified period before transferring ownership to the respective state governments. The agency will also assist these states in the conceptualization and establishment of dedicated space manufacturing clusters.
In Gujarat, a land parcel near Ahmedabad has been pinpointed for a space manufacturing cluster focusing on “spacecraft, payload systems, and space-based applications,” which will support the comprehensive development and testing of spacecraft components and payloads. The common technical facility at Khoraj will include advanced, capital-intensive infrastructure necessary for realizing spacecraft systems. Gujarat Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das remarked, “Gujarat has consistently pioneered new industrial frontiers for the nation, and the space manufacturing park in Khoraj is another such forward-looking initiative.”
In Tamil Nadu, a space vehicle cluster is proposed to be developed in Thoothukudi, with an emphasis on “manufacturing, testing, and integration of launch vehicle systems.” This cluster’s strategic location near the upcoming small vehicle launch complex (SLC) at Kulasekharapatnam is expected to support the rising demand for small launch vehicles. The facility will address critical manufacturing and integration needs such as structural testing, propulsion validation, and full-system integration. Planned infrastructure will include systems for vibration, shock, pressure, flow testing, thermal vacuum testing, and specialized assembly units.
Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar expressed enthusiasm over the project, stating, “We are delighted that the Department of Space has sanctioned Rs 100 crore to set up the space vehicle common testing facility center (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.”
