Kerala Advances Space Park Project with Major Infrastructure Push

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s push to expand its footprint in the space, defence, and aviation sectors has gained further momentum with the launch of key infrastructure under the Kerala Space Park (K-Space) project. With preliminary activities already in motion, the government is now advancing to the next phase—developing core facilities aimed at supporting industries, startups, and research in these strategic sectors.
On Thursday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan laid the foundation stone for the Common Facility Centre (CFC) and the Research & Development Centre (RDC) at Technocity in Pallippuram, Thiruvananthapuram. Together, these centres will cover two lakh square feet across 3.5 acres. The project is being implemented with financial support of Rs 244 crore from NABARD and is expected to be completed in 30 months.
Thiruvananthapuram has long been a key hub in India’s space research landscape. It hosts several premier institutions, including ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), and the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), in addition to BrahMos Aerospace and other DRDO-linked facilities. The Space Park seeks to build on this foundation by fostering industrial partnerships, enabling supply chains, and generating employment in high-technology sectors.

A Statewide Vision for Sectoral Growth

The initial phase of the project is anchored in Thiruvananthapuram, but future plans include expansion to Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur. The state government also plans to develop six satellite centres across key locations, including Thonnakkal, Veli, and Valiyamala, in addition to Technocity and Kochi.
In parallel with the main infrastructure, several specialized facilities are being planned to support entrepreneurs, startups, and MSMEs. These include an MSME Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centre on 9.54 acres in Technocity, an Aerospace Composites Centre in Thonnakkal, an Aerospace Control Systems Complex spread over 60 acres in Veli, and a Liquid Propulsion and Allied Systems Complex near Valiyamala.
Further, an Aerospace Industry Cluster will be developed in Kochi, and an Integrated Defence Industrial Park (IDIP) is being planned in Thiruvananthapuram. These developments are expected to create a statewide industrial network in the aerospace and defence sectors.
To attract investment, 15 acres of land within the Technocity campus will be made available to private sector players interested in establishing operations related to space and defence manufacturing.

Early Collaborations and Institutional Support

While full-scale infrastructure construction is now underway, Kerala Space Park has already made significant progress through early-stage activities and strategic partnerships. To date, 58 companies have signed on as affiliates, along with 11 major academic and research institutions. These collaborations have collectively generated employment for 4,412 people. Capital investments recorded so far stand at Rs 1,301.80 crore, with annual revenues from affiliated entities reaching Rs 729.78 crore.
The state government has signed memorandum of understanding with several key institutions including VSSC, Digital University Kerala, ASAP Kerala, ICT Academy, and Ananth Technologies. Potential future collaborations include tie-ups with IIST, LPSC, ISRO’s Inertial Systems Unit, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), and the University of Kerala.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized that knowledge generated through advancements in space and defence research should directly benefit society. He underlined the Space Park’s role in supporting industrial production for national research agencies and encouraging technological entrepreneurship. He also announced a new Rs 250 crore Advanced Space Initiative to support emerging startups in the sector.
Coinciding with the foundation-laying ceremony, the two-day Kerala Aero Expo was inaugurated at the Hyatt Regency by Food and Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil, with Industries Minister P Rajeev presiding. The expo showcased the history, achievements, and future potential of India’s space programme.