Thiruvananthapuram: Accelerating the procedures to set up an aerospace park adjacent to the Technocity in Pallippuram, the state government and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) have formed two separate committees. The park will have units making parts for space programmes.

The chief minister has issued directives to complete the basic infrastructural works as soon as possible after the ISRO expressed its interest to cooperate with the state government for the project. A 20-acre plot opposite the Technocity will be made ready for the park by laying roads and building a compound wall. Following which, companies selected for the project will be allotted space to set up their units.

The VSSC (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre) has already started the work on preparing a project report. The report will suggest the activities to be taken up, the type of buildings to be set up and other measures. After it is finalised, the report will be submitted to the ISRO’s expert panel as well as the state government.

A senior VSSC official told Manorama Online that the project aims to provide the ecosystem for companies which are interested in joining the space efforts. “No investment will be made by the ISRO in the project. But the companies opening units in the park will get expert advice from the organization. Moreover, we will ensure that the companies have the right environment for functioning. If the companies are interested, ISRO will also purchase their products,” he said.

Technocity is coming up on 400 acres of land acquired between Pallippuram and Mangalapuram 15 km from the capital city. A two-lakh square feet building will be ready by next year. It will house companies engaged in IT services and product development. The Aerospace Park will come up opposite the Technocity and 20 acres of land has already been acquired. Five acres of this land has been sanctioned for ISRO. The remaining area will be allotted to various companies selected by ISRO and the state government where they can set up their units. The functioning of these companies will be supervised by ISRO.

ISRO is planning to launch more satellites for communication and navigation purposes. There are plans to entrust private companies with the work of transponders and other equipment for these satellites. As several organizations dealing with aerospace, including VSSC, are already functioning in Kerala, the park will be a big success, feels the state government.

The scientific advisor to the chief minister and former VSSC director M C Dathan told Manorama online that works related to the project are on the fast track after the ISRO expressed interest.

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The state government had proposed the aerospace park after K Sivan met the chief minister when he took charge as ISRO chairman. Following which, the IT secretary held discussions with VSSC director and officials of Kinfra, Technopark and IT Mission. A meeting held last Friday decided to form the two committees for implementing the project.

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