The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to construct its second-largest space station along Gujarat’s coast—between Diu and Veraval—with an estimated investment of ₹10,000 crore. The decision was announced by Nilesh Desai, Director of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC), in an exclusive CNBC Awaaz interview
This facility will include launchpads for Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and PSLV rockets, boosting ISRO’s launch infrastructure beyond its Sriharikota centre
📍 Why Gujarat?
- Strategic location: Gujarat’s position near the equator enhances launch efficiency and payload capacity
- State support: Gujarat has introduced a SpaceTech Policy (2025–2030) and launched incentives for space infrastructure development
- Private sector participation: The policy facilitates private launches, manufacturing, and collaborations involving SSLV/PSLV technologies
🧭 Broader Context: India’s Space Vision
- The Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS)—India’s modular space station—is scheduled for its first module launch by 2028, with completion aimed by 2035
- ISRO chair S. Somanath recently reinforced these milestones at the Vibrant Gujarat summit, emphasizing a long-term roadmap extending to human moon missions by 2040
🔧 Project Highlights
- Size & scale: After Sriharikota, this will be India’s second-largest space centre, featuring multiple launch facilities and ground stations
- Funding model: The ₹10,000 crore project is expected to follow a public–private partnership (PPP) framework, leveraging state and central support
- ICBM to ISS readiness: Infrastructure will be built to support existing PSLV/SSLV missions and future programs like Gaganyaan and BAS module launches.
🌟 Impact & Future Outlook
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch capacity | Enables more frequent satellite missions and boosts commercial space activity. |
| Economic growth | Expected to drive local industry, jobs, and ancillary services. |
| Strategic edge | Enhances India’s ability to conduct human spaceflight and research via BAS. |
According to Moneycontrol, Gujarat’s initiative could generate up to 25,000 jobs in the space ecosystem cnbctv18
🔮 What’s Next?
- Site finalization: ISRO continues evaluating precise locations between Diu and Veraval
- Groundbreaking preparations: Preparations for land acquisition, environmental clearances, and PPP partnerships are underway.
- Launchpad construction: SSLV and PSLV launch facilities are expected among the initial project phases.
- Supporting infrastructure: New ground stations, mission-control facilities, and satellite support buildings will follow.
✅ Bottom Line
ISRO’s ₹10,000 crore space station in Gujarat marks a major leap in India’s space infrastructure expansion. With strategic coastal positioning, state-of-the-art launch facilities, and a clear roadmap to human spaceflight, this project cements Gujarat as a new frontier in India’s space journey—and accelerates the nation’s path toward orbital research and exploration.
