The Indian government has approved the creation of Common Technical Facilities (CTFs) for space technology testing in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, marking a major step toward strengthening an industry-driven space ecosystem in the country. These facilities will feature advanced infrastructure for testing, validation, and integration, aimed at supporting domestic space manufacturing. The initiative is being overseen by the Department of Space, while the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) will manage implementation.

The governments of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have already allocated land for dedicated plug-and-play space manufacturing clusters. The CTFs will be established within these clusters, allowing companies to access shared high-end infrastructure instead of building costly individual facilities. This model is expected to lower operational expenses and encourage faster innovation among start-ups, MSMEs, and larger space enterprises.

IN-SPACe will supervise the procurement, installation, and commissioning of the technical systems and will initially operate the facilities before eventually transferring them to the respective state governments. The agency is also assisting states in planning specialised Space Manufacturing Clusters (SMCs), although timelines for execution have not yet been announced.

The initiative has generated strong interest from industry stakeholders, with private companies already expressing investment commitments and participation plans. Around ten states have reportedly shown interest in developing similar clusters, highlighting the growing momentum behind India’s efforts to expand and decentralise its space sector.

The facilities in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are expected to function as shared innovation hubs, promoting collaboration, reducing duplication of resources, and improving efficiency across the industry. According to Pawan Kumar Goenka, the project represents an important milestone in building a strong, industry-led space ecosystem in India. He noted that private firms, including start-ups and MSMEs, would gain access to expensive technical systems without having to independently finance and maintain them.

The project will operate under a shared financial model, with IN-SPACe providing technical infrastructure while state governments contribute land, construction, and civic support. The move aligns with India’s broader strategy of integrating private industry into national space ambitions alongside the efforts of Indian Space Research Organisation. By establishing shared infrastructure centres across multiple states, the government aims to accelerate innovation, expand industrial capabilities, and strengthen India’s standing in the global space economy. The initiative is also expected to support strategic sectors such as defence, telecommunications, Earth observation, and defence exports.