Andhra Pradesh Unveils Ambitious Space Policy 4.0

Amaravati, June 26 (PTI) - Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has set a significant vision for the state by directing officials to finalize Andhra Pradesh's Space Policy 4.0, targeting an investment influx of Rs 25,000 crore. His strategic plan aims to directly employ 5,000 individuals and indirectly create opportunities for nearly 30,000 more.

The CM's ambitions for the space sector were highlighted during a review meeting at his Undavalli camp office in Guntur district, where he approved the establishment of 'space cities' in Lepakshi and Tirupati and laid out strategic goals for the years 2025 to 2035. He emphasized the role of educational institutions in sparking student interest in space technologies and instructed officials to establish a technical committee, ensuring common infrastructure on a plug-and-play basis.

In his broader innovation strategy for Andhra Pradesh, Naidu stressed the integration of electronics, space, aerospace, defense, and drone technologies. Former ISRO chairman S Somanath, who joined the meeting virtually, highlighted India's Space Vision Policy-2047 and recognized the transformative role of private players like Starlink, SpaceX, and Blue Origin globally.

Naidu instructed officials to provide competitive incentives to attract space sector companies, with proposals ranging from 25 to 45 percent subsidies. Special incentives are under consideration for women, BC, SC, ST, minority, and differently-abled entrepreneurs.

The envisioned space cities, Lepakshi Space City and Tirupati Space City, target different aspects of the space sector. Lepakshi, sprawling over 500 acres, will focus on design, development, R&D, and housing space startups and innovation ecosystems. Meanwhile, Tirupati will become a key manufacturing and logistics hub with facilities for launch vehicle assembly, satellite and payload assembly, and electronics-avionics manufacturing.

The geographic proximity of these cities to Chennai and Sriharikota, and Lepakshi's closeness to Bengaluru, offers tactical advantages. With India's global space economy share at 2 percent, the nation aims to draw USD 44 billion in investments by 2033, supported by Space Policy-2023, which allows 100 percent FDI in the sector.

India's Space Vision-2047 outlines comprehensive goals, including satellite manufacturing, diverse satellite launches, Chandrayaan 4, Venus and Mars missions, human spaceflight, and new launch vehicles and infrastructure. Aligning with these goals, Andhra Pradesh's Space Policy 4.0 is set to drive innovation, employment, and position the state as a leader in space exploration.

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