Gandhinagar: Gujarat, home to premier space exploration institutions like Isro and PRL, is looking to set up a launchpad to act as a springboard for future space launch activities, as envisaged in the SpaceTech Policy announced last week.
Top officials in the state govt said that Kutch and Dholera have been identified as suitable sites for the launchpad.
Key sources in the state govt said, “The govt aims to facilitate the setting up of one launchpad at a suitable location within the state for launching future space exploration activities, including communication and earth observation satellites, space tourism, etc. According to the initial assessment of various sites, Kutch and Dholera are suitable locations for the launchpad facility.”
Sources said that since satellite launchpads are a highly specialised field and their operations are governed by stringent regulations, the state govt will conduct all operations under the direct guidance of the Union govt, Isro, and other related national-level agencies.
Sources said that the facility of having a satellite launchpad in Gujarat gains significance as In-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) is also based in Ahmedabad. In–SPACe is a single-window autonomous agency under the govt of India’s department of space.
It facilitates the participation of private players in the Indian space sector by providing a framework for private entities to access space infrastructure, launch vehicles, and other resources, as well as by promoting and authorising their activities.
“In-SPACe has evinced interest in the launchpad project. We have made a provision in our new policy for launchpads, considering the fast-paced developments in the sector. The state govt is keen to provide all kinds of support for developing launchpads as it will further accelerate space-related industries in Gujarat,” sources said.
“The policy envisages fiscal and non-fiscal support for the entire gamut of space sector activities ranging from the manufacturing of satellite payloads and parts, including communication and propulsion systems, ground stations, satellite control centres, and space-based application design,” said an official.