Ahmedabad: Dr. Jitendra Singh Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space inaugurated today the IN-SPACe Technical Centre in Bopal, Ahmedabad. The new facility is equipped with the resources to support space non-government entities (NGEs) in designing, development, simulation and testing of space technologies.

For NGEs in the space sector, the IN-SPACe Technical Centre will provide a solution for many of the challenges faced by them in transforming their ideas into reality. The Centre features a range of facilities, including the Climate Simulation Test Facility (CSTF), the Thermal and Vacuum Environment Simulation Facility (TVAC), the Vibration Test Facility (VTF), the Space Systems Assembly Integration Testing & Checkout Laboratory, the RF and Opto-Electronics Laboratory and Clean Rooms for AIT activities.

These facilities are designed to rigorously test and validate space technology under conditions replicating the harsh environment of space. It also houses the Space Systems Design Lab (SSDL), offering access to simulation tools essential for mission planning and design analysis. Complementing the technical facilities are the co-working spaces, designed to inspire creativity and facilitate the exchange of ideas among NGEs.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said, “The opening of the IN-SPACe Technical Centre is a big step forward in realising our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision for the Indian space ambitions and private sector’s role in it. As we aim to grow our share in the global space economy share from 2% to 8% by 2033, we have come up with new policies and eased restrictions for investments as well as space startups. The opening up of FDI in the space sector is one such progressive step to boost private space efforts and make India self-reliant in space technology. Together we will make India a leader in space.”

Mr. S. Somanath, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, highlighted the Centre’s role in fostering innovation, “The IN-SPACe Technical Centre will empower entrepreneurs with all that they need to succeed and make India ‘Atmanirbhar’ in space technology. It will help them to bring their space dreams to reality and support India’s journey into space. ISRO and IN-SPACe together will create an enabling ecosystem to boost growth of the space economy and empower NGE’s.

Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, emphasized the collaborative opportunities the Centre offers, “IN-SPACe Technical centre is equipped with – state of the art technical facilities for simulation, assembly and integration of space systems, and collaborative workspaces, with an aim to create a one stop solution for NGEs to transform their initial designs into full-fledged space products/solutions. By enabling access to essential development and testing infrastructure under one roof, IN-SPACe endeavours to democratize availability of tech-infrastructure for all Space NGEs from early stage startups to large established companies, and create conducive ecosystem for private industry to grow in the space sector”.

The inauguration of the Technical Centre marks the beginning of a new era in India’s space journey, opening up opportunities for the private sector to contribute to and benefit from the massive growth in the global space economy. DeshGujarat