Space science and technology
The recent successes in space missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan and in space endeavours like satellite launching by Indian scientists, have infused space fever in the youth. No doubt, working for such space missions is very satisfying. At the same time, pushing the limits of science and technology often comes with high stakes: minor errors can be costly resulting in the loss of multimillion dollar projects — or even lives.
Following the Chandrayaan 2 mission, the HRD Ministry is encouraging students to take up careers in aerospace engineering. Its ‘Swayam’ online portal will offer courses on the subject which will help students acquire skills and knowledge on designing, manufacturing and maintenance of spacecraft, rocket propulsion etc.
What’s this career about?
There are many opportunities to work in outer space-related fields, ranging from actual travel to the outer limits to creating the vehicles that take people there. A space agency employs several other scientists, technicians, and experts you might never have heard of.
Astronauts may be the first professionals that come to mind when most people think about careers in space science, but they make up only a very small number of all space science employees. To become one, you must meet the stringent physical fitness criteria and undergo rigorous training. Competition is fierce, and only the most exceptional candidates make it to the training programme for astronauts.
Engineers design spacecraft, space vehicles and space stations, and also create the space satellites that predict weather and climatic conditions and facilitate broadcasting and communications.
Scientists from diverse streams make up the research and development team. Space Science is an interdisciplinary field of pure and applied sciences, and includes opportunities for experts from almost all streams. They can be astrophysicists, biologists, chemists, geologists, meteorologists or physicists.
Technologists and technicians often work closely with engineers and scientists to build, test and improvise upon various kinds of space projects and technological innovations. Experts in Space Science and Technology often get to work on innovative technologies and space secrets such as: developing advanced technical infrastructure needed for space exploration, mapping distant planets and stars, studying galaxies, making new discoveries about the solar system, and studying satellites and how they affect Earth etc.
How do I get there?
An expertise in science subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics is a must. These subjects can be pursued at Bachelor’s level, i.e., a 4-year B.Tech. programme or a 3-year B.Sc. course, for which eligibility is 10+2 in Science stream. After completing a Bachelor’s degree, one can seek admission in post-graduation in Space Science and Technology and other space-related fields. To become an expert in any specialized field, pursuing a Ph.D. degree is compulsory. In fact, most professionals working in Space Science are Ph.D. holders.
Do you have these key skills?
* A scientific bent of mind and the desire to explore.
* Curiosity and intellectual ability for scientific research.
* Ability to work systematically and accurately is essential.
* A quick-thinking mind and strong skill of observation.
* The ability to understand, manipulate and make use of numerical and statistical data.
* Analytical mind to work out how to put new discoveries to good use in practical terms.
* Ability to work on one’s own and in a team environment with others.
* Competence in oral and written communication.
Institutes
Indian Institute of Space science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram (iist.ac.in)
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra (bitmesra.ac.in)
Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun (iirs.gov.in)
IIT, Bombay (iitb.ac.in)
IIT, Madras (iitm.ac.in)
IIT, Kharagpur (iitkgp.ac.in)
IIT, Kanpur (iitk.ac.in)
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (iisc.ac.in)
Pay package
Budding space scientists can earn anywhere between Rs 10-15 lakhs annually. Once an individual gains the right experience and acquires the requisite knowledge, there is no upper limit in remuneration for the right candidate.
Employment profile
In this field, employers look for highly-skilled applicants with very specialized education and training requirements. You may be hired by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), National Aeronautical Laboratories (NAL) and also by observatories. Space scientists can also work as faculty in universities, guide research students, publish papers, sit on academic committees, write proposals, or referee papers for publication.
How to get into ISRO?
Established in 1969, under the able guidance of Vikram Sarabhai, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) (isro.gov.in) has become one of the six largest space agencies in the world. It has 32 centres across 23 cities or towns in India. It has one of the largest fleet of remote-sensing (IRS) satellites as well as communication (INSAT) satellites. It offers space-based services to India, such as broadcasts and communications, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), weather forecasts, telemedicine, cartography, navigation, telemedicine, and dedicated distance education satellites.
Eligibility to join ISRO as a scientist or engineer is B.Tech. with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks. The selection procedure is based on a written test followed by an interview. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram, is the first of its kind in the country to offer a B.Tech. in Avionics and Aerospace Engineering. Students who complete engineering in IIST have an opportunity to be absorbed directly in various ISRO/DOS centres as scientists/engineers.
