India will soon build its second-largest space station in Gujarat, according to a senior official from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The announcement was made by Nilesh Desai, Director of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC), during an event at Science City, Ahmedabad.
Desai said the proposed station will serve multiple purposes, including satellite servicing, space research, and technical experiments. While details of the project are yet to be finalized, the station is expected to become a major centre for India’s growing space activities.
“This station will be second only to the Bharatiya Antariksha Station planned for 2035,” Desai stated.
The Gujarat facility will not house astronauts for extended periods but will focus on unmanned operations and scientific missions. It will be equipped with advanced systems for satellite docking, robotics, and communication technologies.
The exact location within Gujarat has not been disclosed. However, early preparations for land identification and feasibility studies are reportedly underway.
The move comes as part of ISRO’s broader effort to expand its space infrastructure and engage in more ambitious missions. Recent years have seen India achieve notable milestones with missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1. The Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space, is also progressing.
Officials believe that building such facilities in different parts of the country will support decentralization and promote space research across regions. The Gujarat station is expected to involve both public and private participation, in line with recent policy reforms under IN-SPACe.
India joins a growing list of countries developing their own orbital platforms. The United States, China, and Russia currently operate space stations or have active plans underway. ISRO’s announcement marks India’s step toward asserting a stronger presence in global space activities.
The Gujarat station is expected to play a vital role in testing equipment for deep space missions and conducting experiments in microgravity conditions. It may also support future collaborative ventures with other space agencies.
Construction is likely to begin in the coming years, though an official timeline is yet to be announced.
