India is preparing to expand its space launch capabilities, and Gujarat could soon play a key role in that journey. After Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh and the upcoming spaceport in Tamil Nadu, a third satellite launch centre may come up along the Arabian Sea coast in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district.
Third Launch Centre Likely in Gir Somnath
The Gujarat government has indicated that Gir Somnath has been identified as a potential site for India’s third satellite launch facility. State Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia informed the Assembly that a suitable location near the coastline has been shortlisted.
According to the minister, the proposed site lies between Diu and Kodinar along the Arabian Sea. The coastal geography makes it suitable for launching satellites, similar to how Sriharikota functions on India’s eastern coast. Coastal launch sites are preferred because rockets can safely travel over the sea, reducing risk to populated areas.
If approved, the new facility would strengthen India’s space infrastructure and provide additional flexibility for satellite launches.
After Sriharikota And Kulasekarapattinam
At present, India’s primary launch operations are conducted from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, another launch centre is under development at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district. The addition of a third spaceport in Gujarat would significantly boost the country’s launch capacity.
Minister Modhwadia said that the location in Gir Somnath was identified after consultations with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). The site, once fully developed, could serve as a launch pad for placing satellites into orbit, much like Sriharikota.
Gujarat’s Bigger Space Vision
The proposed launch centre is part of Gujarat’s broader push into the space technology sector. The state government is also setting up a dedicated space park near Sanand, spread over 100 acres. The idea is to attract private companies working in space manufacturing, satellite technology and related services.
The minister further informed the Assembly that Agnista Aerospace has already begun manufacturing small satellites in Gujarat with an investment of around Rs 500 crore. This signals growing private sector interest in India’s expanding space ecosystem.
If the Gir Somnath project moves ahead as planned, Gujarat could emerge as an important hub in India’s fast-growing space industry, supporting both government missions and private satellite launches in the years to come.
