ISRO Expands Student Participation in Space Research Through Satellite and Training Programmes
According to information presented in Parliament, ISRO runs several initiatives that allow student researchers from academic institutions to design satellites, develop payloads and gain hands-on experience in space technology projects under the mentorship of scientists and professors.
17 student satellites authorized, 11 successfully launched under IN-SPACe initiatives
New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation is expanding opportunities for students to participate in real space technology projects through structured programmes that include satellite development, research internships and incubation support for emerging space innovators.
According to information presented in Parliament, ISRO runs several initiatives that allow student researchers from academic institutions to design satellites, develop payloads and gain hands-on experience in space technology projects under the mentorship of scientists and professors.
One of the key initiatives is the student satellite programme under the UR Rao Satellite Centre, which enables universities and student teams to design and develop satellites and payloads with technical guidance, integration support and launch opportunities.
Students also participate in internship and project trainee schemes, which are open to undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral scholars from recognised institutions, allowing them to work on space research projects at ISRO centres.
To expand research participation across the country, ISRO has established six Space Technology Incubation Centres that support academic institutions in developing indigenous space technologies. These centres enable students from tier-2 and tier-3 cities to engage in space research projects under expert mentorship.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre has also organised student competitions focused on designing and manufacturing CANSAT satellites and model rockets. Around 97 student teams involving approximately 850 students have participated in these initiatives.
So far, IN-SPACe has authorised 17 student satellites or payloads, of which 11 have been successfully launched, according to details provided in Parliament. Institutions involved include universities and technical institutes such as the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram, K J Somaiya Institute of Technology in Mumbai, RV College of Engineering in Bengaluru and Assam Don Bosco University.
Additional programmes supporting academic participation include the RESPOND research programme, which provides financial and technical support for space science and technology research in universities, and Regional Academic Centres for Space, which act as hubs for advanced research and collaboration.
To further strengthen space technology education, a National Committee for Adoption of Space Technology Education was formed in 2023 following the Indian Space Policy 2023. The All India Council for Technical Education has also approved a space technology minor course for students.
The government allocates around ₹10 crore annually for student outreach programmes in space education, aimed at expanding participation in the country’s growing space ecosystem.
The information was provided in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha by Jitendra Singh, minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office and minister of state for science and technology, earth sciences, atomic energy and space.
