The Tamil Nadu government is moving ahead with its goals to build a strong commercial space ecosystem by planning a Space Vehicle Common Technical Facility Centre (SV-CTFC) in Thoothukudi.

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has issued a tender seeking consultants to prepare a detailed project report for the centre, which will provide integration, testing, and fabrication facilities for satellite and launch vehicle development. TIDCO Managing Director Sandeep Nanduri confirmed that the centre will be located at the SICPOT Industrial Park in Allikulam.

The initiative ties into CM Stalin’s earlier announcement of a 250-acre space park and complements ISRO’s upcoming small satellite launch port at Kulasekarapattinam. Governance will be through an SPV or autonomous body with representatives from government, industry, and research institutions. The business model will include user charges, rental income, training programmes, and R&D collaborations.

Consultants must propose phased investments, diverse funding options, and sustainability measures. “IN-SPACe will provide a grant of Rs 100 crore,” MD Nanduri said, with final funding to be determined post-report.