The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has collaborated with the Gujarat government to establish a Common Technical Facility (CTF) at the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) in Khoraj. This strategic initiative aims to build a state-of-the-art space manufacturing hub that provides private players with accessible infrastructure for satellite and payload development. By lowering entry barriers, the project positions India as a competitive global destination for advanced space technology manufacturing.
Building a Space Manufacturing Hub in Gujarat
The proposed Space Manufacturing Park at GIDC Khoraj, near Ahmedabad, is set to become a focal point for India’s private space industry. Under this partnership, the Gujarat government has earmarked 50 acres of land for the park, with the potential to expand the area to 100 acres based on future demand. This facility is a flagship project under the Gujarat Space Tech Policy (2025-30), which aims to transform the state into a global destination for aerospace manufacturing.
The Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) will handle the construction, operation, and maintenance of the park. This location is strategically significant as it lies just 30 kilometres from the Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, which is a major laboratory of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The proximity to SAC allows private entities to leverage the existing pool of technical expertise and supply chain networks available in the region.
Technical Capabilities of the Common Technical Facility
The heart of the Khoraj Space Park is the Common Technical Facility (CTF), which is designed to provide shared high-end infrastructure for space engineering. Setting up dedicated testing and validation labs is often prohibitively expensive for startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The CTF addresses this challenge by offering a “plug-and-play” model where companies can access world-class equipment on a shared basis.
For the development of this facility, IN-SPACe has committed financial assistance of up to ₹100 crore. This funding is specifically earmarked for the procurement of specialized, space-grade equipment. Key technical installations planned for the CTF include:
| Facility Type | Technical Description |
|---|---|
| Cleanrooms | Class 100,000 environments for dust-free satellite assembly |
| Environmental Testing | Thermo-vacuum chambers to simulate space conditions |
| Structural Testing | Vibration systems capable of handling payloads up to 12 tonnes |
| Specialized Labs | Facilities for EMI/EMC testing and magnetic field analysis |
| Optical Calibration | Dedicated labs for calibrating Earth observation cameras |
These facilities will enable private companies to test and qualify their hardware within India, significantly reducing development timelines and costs.
IN-SPACe and India’s Space Sector Reforms
The establishment of the CTF in Gujarat is part of a larger structural shift in India’s space governance. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) was established in 2020 as an autonomous, single-window nodal agency under the Department of Space (DoS). Headquartered in Ahmedabad, IN-SPACe is tasked with promoting, authorizing, and facilitating the participation of non-governmental entities in space activities.
Under the Indian Space Policy 2023, the role of ISRO has evolved to focus primarily on advanced research and development and deep-space exploration. Meanwhile, IN-SPACe serves as the bridge between the government and the private sector, ensuring that private players have equitable access to India’s vast space infrastructure. This includes sharing ISRO’s test centres and launch pads to foster a vibrant commercial space ecosystem.
By providing financial and technical support for facilities like the Khoraj CTF, IN-SPACe is helping India achieve its goal of increasing its share in the global space economy. These initiatives are also critical for the national ambition of establishing a permanent Indian Space Station by 2035 and conducting independent crewed missions.
Key Takeaways
- IN-SPACe and the Gujarat Government have signed an agreement to develop a Common Technical Facility (CTF) at GIDC Khoraj.
- The project is part of a larger Space Manufacturing Park covering an initial area of 50 acres near Ahmedabad.
- IN-SPACe will provide financial assistance of up to ₹100 crore specifically for high-end technical equipment.
- The facility will offer shared testing infrastructure including Class 100,000 cleanrooms and 12-tonne vibration testing systems.
- This initiative is aligned with the Gujarat Space Tech Policy (2025-30) and the Indian Space Policy 2023.
- IN-SPACe, established in 2020, is headquartered in Ahmedabad and functions as a single-window nodal agency under the Department of Space.
