Gujarat is preparing to take a major step into India’s growing space sector, with the state planning to establish a space launching station near Kodinar in Saurashtra.
The proposed spaceport is expected to add a new dimension to Gujarat’s space ambitions and could create opportunities for satellite manufacturing, rocket technology and private space companies. The announcement was made by Gujarat Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia during the launch of a three-day space festival at Science City in Ahmedabad.
The festival comes ahead of National Space Day on August 23, which commemorates the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander near the Moon’s south pole in 2023.
Kodinar identified as a potential space hub
According to the state government, the coastal area near Kodinar in Saurashtra is being considered suitable for space-related activities. Discussions on developing the facility have reportedly been underway for some time.
Modhwadia said Gujarat has emerged as one of the leading states in India in the field of space technology. Ahmedabad is also home to the headquarters of IN-SPACe, the agency that works to support and regulate private participation in India’s space sector.
The state is also offering special incentives to encourage companies to manufacture satellites in Gujarat.
Project still at an early stage
While the announcement has generated interest, officials clarified that the proposed spaceport is still in its initial stage.
A technical assessment and evaluation of the proposed site are currently being carried out in coordination with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The detailed specifications for the facility will be decided after the technical evaluation, following which further work can begin.
Earlier discussions had identified the coastal stretch between Gir and Kodinar as a possible location for space-related activities. In March, the state government had indicated that efforts were underway to identify a suitable site.
Gujarat already seeing private space activity
The proposed spaceport comes at a time when Gujarat is also seeing increasing interest from private companies and startups working in space technology.
Earlier this year, a startup successfully conducted what was described as its first sounding rocket launch at Dholera. Sounding rockets are used mainly for scientific experiments and testing equipment at high altitudes.
Experts estimate that more than 20 startups and organisations are currently working in the space technology sector in Gujarat.
The state is therefore looking to build an ecosystem that goes beyond launching rockets, with satellite manufacturing, research, technology development and private-sector participation also expected to play an important role.
Gujarat could strengthen India’s private space ecosystem
India currently has its primary spaceport at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, while a second launch facility is being developed at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu.
If the Kodinar project moves forward after technical and regulatory clearances, Gujarat could gain an important position in India’s expanding commercial space sector.
The state is also working to support this ecosystem closer to Ahmedabad. IN-SPACe has announced a special zone for space technology at Khoraj, near Ahmedabad, aimed at encouraging space-tech activities and private participation.
A new chapter for Saurashtra
The proposed facility near Kodinar could bring a new kind of economic and technological activity to the Saurashtra coast. However, the project is still at the assessment stage, and several technical specifications and approvals will need to be completed before construction begins.
For now, the Kodinar proposal signals Gujarat’s ambition to become a stronger player in India’s rapidly expanding space economy, combining its industrial base with new opportunities in rockets, satellites, research and private space technology.
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