Space science and technology in India has been progressing steadily since the inception of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 15 August 1969. Till date, ISRO has completed 124 space missions, 96 launch missions, 432 foreign satellite launches and facilitated 17 satellite launches by private players and students.
Recently, major missions like Chandrayaan-3, Mangalyaan and Aditya-L1 have made headlines across the world, giving recognition to India’s space programme and fuelling national pride. With great anticipation, all eyes are on the upcoming ambitious missions like Ganganyaan and Shukrayaan, to name a few, where India is gearing up to send astronauts into space and launch a spacecraft into the orbit of Venus.
In 2020, after the Indian government opened its doors to the private sector and startups, the landscape of the Indian space industry was completely transformed. Today, the number of space startups in the country has skyrocketed to nearly 200, with investments totaling $380.25 million.
With India on the pedestal as one of the world’s space leaders and the domestic space economy booming, now is the perfect time for students to pursue careers in space science and technology. But why is space education relevant? Are there enough avenues? Where to start? Find all the answers below.
What is the role of space science and technology in current times?
Space science and technology are making life easier for everyone and transforming the world into a better place. They have contributed to making tremendous advancements in various sectors such as communications, navigation, climate, healthcare and more. Find out how the space industry in India is making an impact that directly or indirectly benefits the human race.
● Communication: Communication satellites have made services such as television, radio networks and telecommunications widely accessible, especially in remote and underserved areas of the country.
● Healthcare: Space technology, particularly satellites, has significantly advanced telemedicine and remote healthcare services, making it possible to provide care in rural villages, disaster-stricken regions, and more.
● Navigation: GPS satellites simplify navigation and improve safety in aviation, railways, roads, waterways and spacecraft.
● Weather forecasting: Weather satellites help monitor the weather and predict extreme weather events efficiently. Forecasting enables the government to take proactive measures and reduce the impact of natural phenomena.
● Disaster management: Satellite remote sensing monitors major events such as floods, cyclones, forest fires, landslides and earthquakes, thus helping in effective disaster management.
● Agriculture: The space sector is actively working to revolutionize the agricultural field with innovations such as precision agriculture, production forecasting, crop management, resource optimization, and disaster mitigation. These technological advancements aim to improve yield and profits, supporting our agricultural country.
Space science and technology education can take you places – explore the exciting scope!
Space science and technology in India has come a long way in the last half century. Until a few years ago, career opportunities were limited and concentrated in the government and research institutions associated with ISRO. Moreover, our country’s space technology and infrastructure were still in the early stages of development, resources were limited and financial challenges were evident. Unsurprisingly, people did not consider it a stable, viable and lucrative field.
Today, space-related careers are booming in India following several successful ISRO missions, increased investments, international collaborations, global recognition, and the rise of private companies. The public perception of the Indian space industry has also turned positive, with more and more students being attracted to pursue training in this field. Explore the immense opportunities offered by the ever-evolving space sector below.
● Space Agencies and Centres: India has numerous space agencies and centres, most notably the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Space Applications Centre (SAC) and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). They are at the forefront of space exploration, technological advancements and scientific research in the country. Career opportunities include designing, developing and testing spacecraft such as satellites and launch vehicles, analysing satellite data, producing remote sensing technologies, conducting atmospheric research and more.
● Private Space Companies: Apart from government organisations, several space technology startups have emerged in India in recent years. These include AgniKul Cosmos, Pixxel, Skyroot Aerospace, Bellatrix Aerospace and Dhruva Space. With strong backing from the government and private investors, these startups are actively looking for new talent to join their teams and drive the growth of the space industry in India.
● Entrepreneurship: In an effort to stay ahead in the space race, the Indian government is taking various measures to support space entrepreneurs. Students and professionals with innovative space business ideas can look forward to funding, access to technology, infrastructure support, and collaborative initiatives to grow their venture.
As the shift toward space science and technology increases, the potential for innovation and discovery in this field continues to expand, offering a variety of opportunities.
(Author Suresh Ukarande is the Principal, KJ Somaiya College of Engineering, Somaiya Vidyavihar University. The views expressed are personal.)
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