Universities Expand Space-Related Courses to Meet Sector Needs

Amidst increasing emphasis on the space sector in India, university curricula are increasingly focusing on courses relevant to the area. The Indian government's ambitious space goals, including setting up an Indian space station by 2035 and taking the first Indian to the moon by 2040, have further fueled interest in the sector. This has led to a surge in research and start-up activities in the area.

How is the growing emphasis on India's space sector influencing the development and demand for space-related courses at Indian universities?

To meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the space sector, universities are now reshaping their investment strategies, with a heightened focus on courses such as power electronics, propulsion, and chemical engineering. These skills are in high demand by the space industry.

While India's top universities have relevant courses in computer science and astronomy, there is a need for more students from these institutions to pursue careers in the space industry. One reason for this is that "tier-one talent" tends to be more expensive, according to Divyanshu Poddar, co-founder of the Indian company Rocketeers.

However, there are signs that things are headed in the right direction. In 2020, the Indian government created the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (In Space) to link up the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and private sector companies. There has also been an increase in government funding for space research in recent years.

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Despite the growing interest in the space sector, some scholars remain skeptical about the level of innovation in the area. One academic, who asked not to be named, called it "much hyped up." He argued that the work being done in the space sector is "quite routine and well established" and that there is "little bit of developmental work involved."

Overall, the space sector in India is expanding rapidly, and there is a growing demand for skilled professionals. Universities are responding to this demand by offering more relevant courses and providing hands-on training. However, there is still a need for more students to pursue careers in the space industry. The government is also playing a role in promoting innovation in the sector through initiatives such as In Space.(news source)