NewKerala.com

ISRO Launches Student Satellite Program to Democratize Space Tech Access

ISRO has launched a series of initiatives to actively involve students and young researchers in satellite development and space missions. Programs include the Student Satellite Programme, internships, and Space Technology Incubation Centres to foster collaboration between universities and ISRO scientists. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has organized competitions and authorized multiple student satellites for launch. The government has allocated about Rs 10 crore annually for student-focused outreach to build a more inclusive and innovation-driven space ecosystem in India.

Key Points: ISRO Initiatives for Student Satellite Development & Space Missions

  • Student Satellite Programme for academic institutions
  • Internships at ISRO centres for advanced tech
  • Space Technology Incubation Centres (STICs) for research
  • IN-SPACe competitions for CAN-sized satellites
2 min read

ISRO launches initiatives to involve students in satellite development, space missions: Jitendra Singh

ISRO launches structured programs to involve students in satellite building, payload experiments, and space missions, fostering an inclusive space ecosystem.

"The government is committed to democratising access to space technology - Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, March 12

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh on Thursday said the Indian Space Research Organisation has launched a series of structured initiatives to involve students and young researchers in satellite development, payload experiments and space missions.

Replying to an un-starred question in the Rajya Sabha, Singh said the government is committed to democratising access to space technology, ensuring that students from institutions across the country -- including those in tier-2 and tier-3 cities -- get opportunities to contribute to India's expanding space ecosystem.

The minister said ISRO's Student Satellite Programme -- led by the U R Rao Satellite Centre -- allows academic institutions and student teams to design and develop satellites with mentoring from ISRO scientists. These student-built satellites also receive integration support and launch opportunities through ISRO missions, according to him.

Internship and project trainee programmes are also available for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students, enabling them to work on advanced space technologies at various ISRO centres.

To expand academic participation, Space Technology Incubation Centres (STICs) have been established across different regions to facilitate collaborative research between universities and ISRO scientists.

Singh also highlighted the role of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) in promoting student engagement in the space sector. The agency has organised competitions focused on designing CAN-sized satellites and model rockets, in which 97 student teams comprising around 850 students have participated.

So far, IN-SPACe has authorised 17 student satellites and payloads, of which 11 have been successfully launched, involving institutions such as Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Astrophysics and several engineering universities across the country.

Singh added that ISRO's RESPOND programme provides financial and technical support to universities for research in space science and technology, while Regional Academic Centres for Space have been set up to expand access to space education.

The government has also earmarked about Rs 10 crore annually for student-focused outreach activities in space science and technology, the minister said.

He added that the initiatives aim to build a more inclusive and innovation-driven space ecosystem in India.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an engineering student in Coimbatore, this gives me so much hope. Finally, opportunities are not just limited to IITs and big metros. The STIC and RESPOND programmes can be game-changers for universities like mine.
R
Rohit P
Great initiative, but the implementation is key. Hope the selection process for these programs is transparent and merit-based, not influenced by connections. We need the best minds, regardless of background.
S
Sarah B
This is how you build a sustainable space ecosystem! Getting students hands-on experience from a young age will create a pipeline of talent for India's private space companies too. Well done ISRO.
K
Karthik V
₹10 crore annually for outreach sounds good, but is it enough for a country of our size? Hope the budget increases as more institutions participate. The CAN-sat competitions are a brilliant way to start.
M
Meera T
My brother participated in one of the model rocket competitions! The excitement in his college was palpable. It's not just about building satellites, it's about igniting passion for science across India. 👏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50