Maharashtra to set up India's first space park, launch 5 satellites in 18 months

The Maharashtra government has taken a major step to make the state a global hub in the space sector. The country's first space park will now come up in Maharashtra, with a plan to launch five multi-purpose satellites into space over the next 18 months. Industry Minister Dr Uday Samant gave this information.

The Paris World Space Business Week conference was recently held in Paris, France. The conference saw detailed discussions on Maharashtra's space policy with global companies in the space sector. These discussions are expected to boost the state's space technology industry, research and entrepreneurship. Dr Samant expressed confidence that the initiative would further strengthen industrial cooperation between France and India.

Several important decisions related to modern technology are being taken in the state under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar. This policy is being implemented as part of the same effort to give Maharashtra a distinct identity in the space sector. Dr Samant said the government is trying to make Maharashtra an important centre in the country's space sector by boosting industry, research, technology and employment together.

The main objective behind the space policy is to create new employment opportunities for the state's youth and reduce unemployment. The government has taken steps to bring the country's first such space policy into effect and is working to attract global space companies to invest in Maharashtra. This is expected to lead to major industries in the space technology sector in future, generating business worth thousands of crores of rupees and revenue.

These five multi-purpose satellites being developed by the state government will not be limited to space research alone. Data from these satellites will be used for agricultural development, environmental conservation, disaster management, urban planning, healthcare and precise planning in industry. Dr Samant said an investment of about Rs 200 crore is expected in the first phase of the project, with a target of earning revenue of Rs 1,000 crore in future.

A preliminary survey of various sites in the state has been conducted for the technical requirements needed to successfully carry out the satellite project. An international-level "Space Fest" will be organised in Maharashtra in February to provide a major platform for opportunities, research and industries in the space technology sector.