The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to establish the country’s second-largest space station in Gujarat, a move that marks a significant milestone in India’s space journey. The project, expected to cost around ₹10,000 crore, is progressing rapidly and aims to strengthen India’s capability in satellite launches and advanced space research.
Nilesh Desai, Director of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC), shared the update while addressing students and researchers at a recent event. According to Desai, the space station will be constructed between Diu and Veraval in coastal Gujarat—strategically chosen for its favorable geographic conditions for rocket launches.
Once operational, the Gujarat space station will facilitate the launch of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV) and Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV), boosting India’s satellite deployment capacity and reducing dependency on the Sriharikota launch site.
Gujarat Unveils Its Own Space Mission Policy
In line with the Centre’s vision to enhance India’s space ecosystem, the Gujarat government has rolled out a dedicated Space Mission Policy. This state-level policy is aimed at nurturing space innovation, attracting private investments, and supporting ISRO’s long-term goals.
Officials stated that the new policy will create a favorable environment for space startups, manufacturing hubs, and academic research collaborations within the state. With this initiative, Gujarat aims to become a leading hub in India’s rapidly evolving space economy.
Why Gujarat? Strategic and Economic Reasons
The location between Diu and Veraval offers several technical advantages—including proximity to the equator, large coastal access for safe launches, and ample land availability for infrastructure development. Gujarat’s robust industrial base and logistic support also make it an ideal location for such a large-scale project.
“This will be India’s second-largest space station after Sriharikota,” said Desai. “It will not only support ISRO’s expanding mission portfolio but also generate local employment, boost tourism, and bring world-class space infrastructure to the region.”
Boost to India’s Global Space Aspirations
India has already earned global recognition for cost-effective and successful space missions like Chandrayaan, Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), and Gaganyaan (upcoming). The new space station is expected to contribute significantly to India’s international collaborations, satellite servicing missions, and deep space exploration goals.
In recent years, India has also opened its space sector to private players through the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), and the new station in Gujarat could further amplify these partnerships.
Conclusion
The ambitious ₹10,000-crore space station plan in Gujarat highlights India’s growing commitment to becoming a global space power. It also showcases how state-level policies like Gujarat’s Space Mission Policy can align with national goals to drive innovation, boost infrastructure, and create future-ready job opportunities.
As construction gains momentum, the project could serve as a beacon for India’s next-generation space initiatives, creating a ripple effect across education, technology, and the economy.
✅ Sources:
- ISRO official updates
- Press conference and address by Nilesh Desai, Director, SAC
- Gujarat government official release on Space Mission Policy
