CM Naidu unveils vision for Andhra's space sector, targets Rs 25,000 cr investment

Amaravati, June 26 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday directed officials to finalise the state’s Space Policy 4.0 with the aim of attracting Rs 25,000 crore in investments.

The CM noted that the policy should focus on creating direct employment for 5,000 people and generating indirect opportunities for nearly 30,000 people.

In a significant step towards positioning Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of India’s space sector, Naidu directed officials to finalise the Andhra Pradesh Space Policy 4.0 with the aim of attracting Rs 25,000 crore in investments, said an official release, quoting the CM.

He approved the development of ‘space cities’ in Lepakshi and Tirupati and also laid out strategic goals for the sector from 2025 to 2035, during a review meeting at his camp office in Undavalli, Guntur district.

The TDP supremo highlighted the need to involve educational institutions to engage students and ignite interest in space technologies.

He directed officials to form a technical committee and ensure availability of common infrastructure based on a plug-and-play model.

According to Naidu, the integration of electronics, space, aerospace, defence, and drone technologies is key to the state’s broader innovation strategy.

Joining the review meeting virtually, former ISRO chairman S Somanath highlighted that the Government of India is launching several key projects under the Space Vision Policy-2047.

He underlined the role of private players such as Starlink, SpaceX and Blue Origin in transforming the sector globally, saying the future undoubtedly belonged to space.

The TDP supremo instructed officials to offer competitive incentives to attract companies to invest in the state’s space sector, even as proposals were made to provide subsidies ranging from 25 percent to 45 percent.

Likewise, special incentives are also being contemplated for women, BC, SC, ST, minority and differently-abled entrepreneurs.

The new policy envisions two dedicated space cities, Lepakshi Space City and Tirupati Space City.

Lepakshi Space City, spread across 500 acres, will focus on design and development and house institutions for R&D, space startups, innovation ecosystem and services related to space applications.

Similarly, Tirupati Space City will serve as a hub for manufacturing and launch logistics.

Facilities planned there include launch vehicle assembly, satellite and payload assembly, mechanical system component manufacturing and electronics-avionics assembly.

Its proximity to Chennai and Sriharikota, along with Lepakshi's closeness to Bengaluru offer strategic geographic advantages, said the press release.

With a 2 percent share in the global space economy, India aims to attract USD 44 billion in space investments by 2033 while India’s Space Policy-2023 allows 100 percent FDI in the sector.

India Space Vision-2047 goals include satellite manufacturing, remote sensing satellite launches, Chandrayaan 4, Venus Orbiter Mission, Mars Lander Mission, human spaceflight programmes including space stations, next-gen launch vehicles (NGLVs), and a third launch pad at Sriharikota.

In alignment with these national ambitions, the southern state is shaping its ‘Andhra Pradesh Space Policy 4.0’ to fuel innovation, generate employment and make the state a pivotal force in the future of space exploration, the release added.

PTI STH ROH