FICCI Center of Excellence for Career Counselling along with National Career Service, Ministry of Labor and Employment organized a Webinar on “Space Technology” on 21 st July at 04:00 PM. The objective of this webinar was to discuss career pathways available in the field of space science & technology.
Dr Prakash Chauhan Director, IIRS, ISRO, Dept of Space, GoI delivered the opening remarks wherein he touched upon various options students can opt to make their career in space science. He highlighted that the aspirants must be highly efficient and skilled to venture into the space science, as a minor on the job mistake may lead to irreversible consequences. He further, provided information about core sectors where ISRO works i: e – space segment or upstream sector for which ISRO develops & launches satellite systems where huge opportunities are available for students; especially for those coming from engineering background.
Dr Chauhan told that we always have requirement for mechanical, electrical engineers along with computer scientists. Even those working in material, chemical and avionics sector are many such areas, from where professionals can join ISRO. He also shared details of exams, higher education programs and online training programs which ISRO is offering.
For intermediate students, who are aiming for a career in space science post completing their 12th standard examinations. Dr Chauhan informed about the academic support for such students, which ISRO offers from its Indian institute of Space & Technology in Trivandrum (Kerala). There are many undergraduate as well post-graduate programmes being taught here in various core engineering areas of space technology. And if a student is a graduate from IIST, then he/she also gets opportunity to work with ISRO subject to fulfilling the requirements, making it a direct route to join ISRO.
Shri Vinod Chippalkatti, President, Centum Electronics (Largest Electronics Instrument provider ISRO) gave a brief about careers in space, with an overview of activities/project being done by India. He laid emphasis on the downstream segment, which comprises of technology platforms and user-based applications of space economy. For example, transport startup like UBER, which is using the combination of GPS navigation system and logistics.
He further explained two important aspects in downstream segment which are satellite communication which is of vital use to military, defence, telephone/mobile, internet-based services and dish tv amongst many and earth observation which is of use for weather & climatic monitoring , agriculture/forest management to name a few.
Mr Vinod also informed about the various core career pathway a student can take up in space technology like material science, mathematicians working on satellite launch vehicles, optical instrumentation specialist, RF Engineers, Space biologists is an upcoming field, which is required for space tourism. Satellite data management and control engineering for orbit related functions. He further adds that one can enter as a scientist, technician, astronaut, and engineer and contribute to the space technology. With job opportunities in ISRO, DRDO, HAL, NAL, & can involve in academician, R&D for military operations with many firms manufacturing software’s and spacecraft development.
Aakash Sinha, CEO, Omnipresent tech addressed the session from a startup perspective in space technology. He shared his journey as a vendor partner while working on ISROs Chandrayan Mission and how space tech aspirants have a lot to look forward to, even if they are not directly employed with ISRO.
India’s space programme is currently at 7 Billion and the target is to reach 50 Bn very soon, which is why
InSpace has been created. With the aim to encourage public-private participation and thereby encouraging youth initiate start-ups in space technology. He cited many external services which are required by ISRO w.r.t to satellites, communication system, software’s, hardware – can be delivered by becoming a vendor partner to ISRO.
Infact, Start-ups in India have already started working towards building and launching its own satellites to provide meaningful data & services. Even investors are willing to fund such businesses, because there is a huge scope for the satellite-based services. Mr Sinha believes that India too needs its own SpaceX programme, which youth must take up as ISRO infrastructure like launching pads, testing facility can used if aspirants can learn and develop its space programme to the required standards. Which is a great advantage for them, since ISRO support is already available.
In his concluding remarks, the world of worker (WOW mentors) mentioned about the promising growth opportunities and future of Space tech in India. And also acknowledged FICCI Centre of Excellence for Career Counselling’s role in providing the youth the opportunity to know about the emerging skills, future jobs and aspirational sectors.