New Delhi: After Sriharikota The spaceport and the upcoming launch port at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, India’s third satellite launch center are likely to come up in Gujarat.Gujarat Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia recently announced in the state assembly that a proposed launch site has been identified near Gir Somnath district along the Arabian Sea coast.Speaking on budgetary demands for his department, Modhwadia said the site was identified after consultation with space regulator and promoter Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACE). “As per our request, IN-SPACe has found a suitable location which can be developed as a launchpad to put satellites into orbit just like Sriharikota. That location is between the Union Territory of Diu and Kodinar. We are now moving in that direction,” the minister said.Speaking to TOI, a senior space official said, “A state government or even a private entity can build a satellite launch center in India. The process has become streamlined, especially after reforms in the space sector. But conducting satellite launch operations from that site will require prior authorization from IN-SPACe, which acts as a single-window nodal agency under the Department of Space.”According to the Norms, Guidelines and Procedures (NGP) for implementation of the Indian Space Policy-2023, “Any space activity, which will, inter alia, include the launch, operation, guidance and/or re-entry of any space object, as mentioned in Section 5 of the Indian Space Policy-2023, will require authorization from IN-SPACe”.Since the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) handles airspace regulation, it issues Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) to warn aircraft before any satellite or rocket launch. Therefore, before any rocket launch, the role of DGCA is also important.As part of its initiative to promote the space sector, the Gujarat government is also setting up a 100-acre Gujarat Space Park near Sanand to attract companies working in space technology and satellite manufacturing. Minister Modhwadia said that the facility is expected to house space technology based industrial units, which will help in creating a comprehensive ecosystem for the region.“I am happy to say that Aegista Aerospace has started the manufacturing of small satellites at a cost of Rs 500 crore and the process of allotting land for them has started,” the minister said in the Assembly. According to him, this facility will become India’s first private sector satellite manufacturing plant capable of handling end-to-end operations. These initiatives aim to establish Gujarat as a major hub in India’s rapidly growing space sector.India’s primary spaceport at Sriharikota, officially known as the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) SHAR, became operational with the launch of an RH-125 sounding rocket on October 9, 1971. The spaceport has so far launched 434 foreign satellites, 134 spacecraft missions and 18 satellites launched by private players or students.India’s second spaceport is under construction at Kulasekarapattinam in TN, Rs 985.9 crore has been allocated for the project, and it is targeted to be commissioned this financial year.