Gujarat govt planning satellite launchpad to boost space sector, says Minister

The Gujarat government is planning to establish a satellite launchpad near Kodinar in Gir Somnath district, which could become the second such facility in India after the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh , Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia informed the legislative assembly on Monday. The proposed site, located between Diu and Kodinar , has been identified as suitable for launching satellites into orbit following consultations with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) , the commercial arm of ISRO .

Modhwadia, speaking on budgetary demands for his department, said the project is moving forward, although detailed budgetary allocations for the launchpad are yet to be formally announced. The plan follows the launch of the Gujarat SpaceTech Policy in April 2025 , making Gujarat the first state in India to introduce a dedicated policy for developing the space technology ecosystem .

As part of the initiative, the government is setting up the Gujarat Space Park across 100 acres near Sanand to attract companies working in space technology and satellite manufacturing . Azista Aerospace has already begun work on a small satellite manufacturing unit at the park with an investment of Rs 500 crore , which is expected to be India’s first private-sector satellite plant capable of end-to-end operations , including design, assembly, and testing.

The minister said the facility will not be limited to producing spare parts but will undertake comprehensive satellite design, engineering, assembly, and testing , helping build a broader industrial ecosystem. Modhwadia highlighted the growing global demand for satellites and the need for India to develop infrastructure for launching and manufacturing satellites to remain competitive. “Such days are coming that people like Elon Musk alone are planning to launch around 10,000 satellites into space. India must build its ecosystem for this sector,” he said.

He also pointed out recent grassroots innovation in the sector, citing two young innovators who successfully launched a sounding rocket near Ahmedabad with state permission, reaching an altitude of about three kilometres before landing safely with a parachute.

If realised, the Kodinar launchpad would mark a significant step in decentralising India’s space launch infrastructure beyond Sriharikota and help accommodate future commercial and scientific missions , positioning Gujarat as a key hub in the country’s rapidly expanding space sector .