Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government is planning to develop a satellite launchpad in the coastal area of Saurashtra to boost the state’s presence in the space sector, Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday. The proposed launch site, located between Diu and Kodinar in Gir Somnath district, has been identified as a suitable location for sending satellites into orbit, similar to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.

Arjun Modhwadia made this announcement while discussing the functioning and future plans of the Science and Technology Department during the ongoing session of the Gujarat Assembly. He told the House that it is a matter of great pride for Gujarat that the state will now become a direct partner in the country’s space mission. Till now, satellites have mainly been launched from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, but satellite launching facilities will now be developed in Gujarat as well.

Modhwadia stated that the site was finalised after consultations with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

He said that, following the state government’s request, IN-SPACe identified a suitable location between the Union Territory of Diu and Kodinar that can be developed as a satellite launch facility, and the government has begun moving ahead with the proposal.

Gujarat’s growing global stature in the field of space science

Following the announcement, there has been enthusiasm in the science and technology sector in the state. The minister said that the establishment of a satellite launchpad in Gujarat will create new opportunities not only in science but also in research, industry, and employment. The project is expected to strengthen Gujarat’s presence on the global space map.

He added that the availability of a rocket launching facility in the state will help speed up various ISRO missions and may also reduce operational costs.

The process of land acquisition and the administrative clearances required for the project will be initiated in the near future. The establishment of the launchpad is expected to increase economic activity in the coastal region of Gujarat and open new avenues of research for educational institutions. DeshGujarat