Ahmedabad, July 5, 2025 – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced plans to construct India’s second-largest space station in Gujarat, a monumental step in bolstering the nation’s space infrastructure. This ambitious ₹10,000 crore project, set to be located between Diu and Veraval, is poised to position Gujarat as a strategic hub for India’s space endeavors, following the iconic Sriharikota space center.

A Strategic Leap for India’s Space Program

Announced by ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) Director Nilesh Desai in an exclusive interview with CNBC Awaaz, the Gujarat space station will feature advanced launch facilities for Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rockets. The state’s proximity to the equator offers a strategic advantage, enhancing launch efficiency and payload capacity, making it an ideal location for this cutting-edge facility.

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, emphasized the project’s role in India’s long-term space roadmap, which includes human moon missions by 2040. This new space station will not only complement the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota but also strengthen India’s position in the global space race.

Gujarat’s Space Mission Policy: A Catalyst for Growth

The Gujarat government has introduced a dedicated Space Mission Policy, aligning with the Central government’s vision to foster innovation and economic growth through space technology. This policy is expected to attract investments, create high-tech jobs, and establish Gujarat as a key player in India’s burgeoning space sector.

“Gujarat’s equatorial proximity provides a revolutionary edge in space launches,” Desai noted, highlighting that 70% of ISRO’s programs now focus on communication, navigation, and remote sensing technologies. This shift underscores the strategic importance of the new facility in supporting India’s ambitious space missions, including Chandrayaan-5, the Gaganyaan crewed mission, and the Venus Orbiter Mission, all targeted for completion by 2026.

Boosting India’s Space Economy

The Gujarat space station is part of ISRO’s broader vision to expand India’s share in the global space economy, projected to reach $44 billion by 2033. Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath recently highlighted the remarkable efficiency of India’s space program, stating, “For every rupee spent, ISRO generates ₹2.54 in value.” This economic impact is evident in the rapid growth of India’s private space sector, with over 250 companies now developing rockets and satellites.

The project also aligns with ISRO’s efforts to foster public-private partnerships. Recently, ISRO transferred 10 advanced technologies to six Indian companies, including precision navigation systems and ground station infrastructure, to reduce reliance on foreign technologies and boost indigenous innovation.

A Milestone for Gujarat and India

The announcement has sparked enthusiasm across social media, with posts on X celebrating Gujarat’s growing role in India’s space future. Users have hailed the project as a bold stride for regional growth and a testament to ISRO’s innovative spirit.

As work progresses rapidly on this ₹10,000 crore project, Gujarat is set to become a cornerstone of India’s space ambitions. With its strategic location, state-of-the-art facilities, and alignment with national goals, the new space station will propel India closer to its vision of establishing a Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and landing an astronaut on the moon by 2040.

Stay tuned to Bharat Tone for the latest updates on India’s space journey and other groundbreaking developments shaping the nation’s future.