To expand space infrastructure in the country amid increasing global competition in the sector, the Department of Space has approved the setting up of Common Technical Facilities (CTF) in Gujarat. Tamil Nadu. These facilities will be equipped with high-end testing, validation and integration infrastructure. The Gujarat and Tamil Nadu governments have identified land parcels to set up plug-and-play manufacturing clusters specifically for space activities. CTFs will be set up within these manufacturing clusters.Pawan Kumar Goenka, chairman of space regulator and promoter IN-SPACe, said, “Realizing space systems requires capital intensive facilities. The establishment of CTFs equipped with capital intensive systems is an important step in creating a strong, industry-led space ecosystem in India. Private space industries including startups, MSMEs and large industries will be able to access these facilities without investing and operating similar facilities at their premises. Backed by investment commitments and participation from private sector players, both groups have already garnered strong industry interest.About 10 states have expressed interest in setting up similar space manufacturing clusters, reflecting strong nationwide momentum toward building a distributed space industrial base.IN-SPACe will play a key role in procurement, installation and commissioning of technical infrastructure, operation of the facilities for a stipulated period and subsequent transfer of ownership to the state governments. The agency is also supporting states in the conceptualization and development of dedicated space manufacturing clusters.The Gujarat government has identified a land parcel near Ahmedabad to develop a space manufacturing cluster. The cluster will focus on “spacecraft, payload systems, and space-based applications”, supporting end-to-end development and testing of spacecraft components and payloads. In line with this theme, the advanced, capital-intensive infrastructure required for the realization of spacecraft systems will be created at the Common Technical Facility in Khoraz.Gujarat Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das said: “Gujarat has consistently pioneered new industrial frontiers for the country, and the Space Manufacturing Park in Khoraj is another such forward-looking initiative.”The Government of Tamil Nadu has proposed to set up a space vehicle cluster at Thoothukudi with a focus on “manufacturing, testing and integration of launch vehicle systems”. Strategically located near the upcoming Small Vehicle Launch Complex (SLC) The Kulasekharapatnam, Cluster is positioned to support the growing demand for small launch vehicles.The facility will meet critical manufacturing and integration requirements, including structural testing, propulsion verification and full-system integration. The planned infrastructure includes vibration, shock, pressure and flow testing systems, thermal vacuum testing and specialized assembly units. Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar said: “We are glad that the Department of Space has sanctioned Rs 100 crore to set up the Space Vehicle Common Test Facility Center (SV CTFC) at Thoothukudi. The state government, through TIDCO, will provide the required land and buildings for this facility. The SV CTFC will be a vital asset to fulfill our vision of making Tamil Nadu a space industry manufacturing hub. We look forward to IN-SPACe to make this facility functional as soon as possible.” Will work together.“