Naidu Charts Space Strategy With Twin Hubs in AP
Two Space Cities are intended near Sriharikota and Lepakshi to boost India’s space passions.
Transforming AP into an S-Powerhouse
Running alongside Andhra Pradesh’s support aspirations, Principal Preacher N Chandrababu Naidu has set his sights on India’s Space ambitions. During a meeting with Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, on May 23, Naidu presented a detailed proposal to establish 2 dedicated Space Cities – one near Sriharikota and another near Lepakshi.
While the plan is futuristic, the roots trace back nearly 25 years. ISRO had once proposed setting up a Space industrial center near Sriharikota, but the idea didn’t materialize then. Now, with renewed political will, AP seems determined to give wings to the concept.
Strategic Locations of the Space Hubs
The first center near Sriharikota aims to support the production of launch vehicle parts and essential propellant logistics. The second hub, at Lepakshi in Anantapur district, strategically connects with Bengaluru’s thriving space ecosystem to promote industry-academia partnerships and R&D.
Building on Existing Contributions
Andhra Pradesh, already home to ISRO’s prestigious launch center, is not new to the space supply chain. Various industries near Sriharikota have been quietly contributing to ISRO’s missions, including manufacturers of critical components and logistics providers.
- VRV Asia Pacific – manufacturers of India’s first indigenous liquid hydrogen storage tank
- Danieli India – builders of mobile launch stands
- Rotolok – valves for solid propellants
- THK India – straight action guides used in Chandrayaan-3
- And more…
Experts believe that integrated clusters near Sriharikota can significantly enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and generate employment opportunities in the aerospace sector.
State’s Strategic Push
Andhra Pradesh’s renewed focus on space technology comes at a time when other states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have already formulated their space policies. With a projected aerospace and support budget of $100 billion over the next decade, AP aims to attract investments and formalize its space aspirations.
The state has appointed S. Somanath, former ISRO chairman, as its honorary consultant on Space technology to align its strategy with global trends and national objectives.
