Vijayawada: The state govt is keen to make a foray into aerospace industry. Aerospace is one of the fastest growing sectors due to increased defence spending, expanding commercial aviation, and rising technological expertise.
The state is keen to take advantage of the presence of Satish Dhawan space centre (SHAR) at Sriharikota. Taking a cue from the success of Hyderabad and Bengaluru in emerging as big hubs for aerospace industry, AP wants to script its own story in this sector.
Aerospace industry’s growth has attracted global aerospace companies and encouraged domestic players to expand operations in the neighbouring states. The industry, covering civil aviation, defence, and space, is seeing significant progress with a projected $100 billion aerospace and defence budget over the next decade.
“Karnataka and Telangana set up aerospace parks, where key defence and space research organisations are based. Many industries, both large and small, across India support the country’s aerospace activities. Recently, Kerala govt and ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre signed an MoU to develop a space park in Kerala,” said a retired scientist from ISRO’s Shar centre, adding that it is high time AP set its focus on tapping aerospace potential.
Except the liquid propellant (MMH & UDMH) processing plant at Andhra Sugars in Tanuku, AP has no big presence in aerospace industry. A senior official in the industries department said the state has a unique opportunity to create an aerospace and allied engineering hub, attracting investment and creating jobs thanks to the presence of space port in Sriharikota.
“We are seriously looking at this issue. A fully integrated industrial zone could attract significant interest from global corporations, offering a scalable model for industrial growth in aerospace, defence, and related sectors,” he said.
Sources said that heavy hardware and liquid propellants are transported from across the country through crowded areas to Sriharikota. Experts say that locating support industries near Sriharikota has numerous advantages including reduction of transportation costs and time, particularly for critical supplies like nitrogen, helium gas, and liquid oxygen — essential components for rocket launches.
On-site production and testing facilities for these materials would greatly streamline the logistics of space missions. “Additionally, ancillary industries specialising in launch vehicle integration, satellite testing, and calibration could enhance the efficiency and success rate of space missions. Setting up such industries in eastern parts of Tirupati district would benefit ISRO and boost regional economic development,” analysed the official.
