In a major boost to India’s growing space manufacturing sector, the Government of Tamil Nadu has signed a landmark agreement with IN-SPACe to establish a Common Testing Facility (CTF) for Space Vehicles at the upcoming Space Industrial Park in Allikulam, Thoothukudi district.

The agreement was presented to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Mr C. Joseph Vijay at the Secretariat on Thursday by senior officials from the Industries Department and TIDCO.

Under the agreement, IN-SPACe will provide advanced testing equipment worth ₹100 crore, while the Tamil Nadu Government will provide land and develop the required buildings and infrastructure for the facility.

The Common Testing Facility will offer world-class testing capabilities, including vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, EMI/EMC, pressure and flow testing, launch vehicle assembly, component integration, hydroclave operations, and quality certification for space systems.

The facility is expected to significantly reduce the cost and time required by industries to develop, test, and certify space vehicles and components.

Located near the upcoming Kulasekarapattinam Rocket Launch Port, the Space Industrial Park is planned as a manufacturing hub for launch vehicle components, satellite systems, propulsion technologies, aerospace electronics, composite structures, and other critical space equipment.

According to the government, the project is expected to attract private investment, create high-skilled jobs, strengthen India’s domestic space manufacturing ecosystem, promote innovation, and improve India’s competitiveness in the global space economy. The Tamil Nadu Government said the initiative aligns with its vision of building world-class industrial infrastructure and strategic partnerships, while positioning the state as one of India’s leading centres for space manufacturing and advanced technology.