Space activities in the country started during early 1960s with the scientific investigation of upper atmosphere and ionosphere over the magnetic equator that passes over Thumba near Thiruvananthapuram using small sounding rockets Realising the immense potential of space technology for national development, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary leader envisioned that this powerful technology could play a meaningful role in national development and solving the problems of common man.

Thus, Indian Space programme born in the church beginning, space activities in the country, concentrated on achieving self reliance and developing capability to build and launch communication satellites for television broadcast, telecommunications and meteorological applications; remote sensing satellites for management of natural resources.

The objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national tasks. ISRO has established two major space systems, INSAT for communication, television broadcasting and meteorological services, and Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) system for resources monitoring and management. ISRO has developed two satellite launch vehicles, PSLV and GSLV, to place INSAT and IRS satellites in the required orbits

Accordingly, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully operationalised two major satellite systems namely Indian National Satellites (INSAT) for communication services and Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites for management of natural resources; also, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for launching IRS type of satellites and Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for launching INSAT type of satellites.

The Space Commission formulates the policies and oversees the implementation of the Indian space programme to promote the development and application of space science and technology for the socio-economic benefit of the country. DOS implements these programmes through, mainly Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), North Eastern-Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) and Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL). The Antrix Corporation, established in 1992 as a government owned company, markets the space products and services

Education & Training at ISRO

• Towards capacity building, DOS has established an Institute, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) to meet the growing demands of the Indian Space Programme. The institute offers, Bachelors degree in Space Technology with specialisation in Avionics and Aerospace Engineering and Integrated Masters Programme in Applied Sciences with special emphasis on space related subjects.
  
• The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) under National Remote Sensing Centre, is a premier training and educational institute set up for developing trained professional in the field of Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics and GPS Technology for Natural Resources and Disaster Management. IIRS has trained thousands of scientists / engineers from India and hundreds of foreign students from various countries of Asia and Africa.
  
• In the wake of the need for regional self-reliance and self-sustenance in Space science and technology CSSTEAP Dehradun, came into existence under affiliation to the United Nations in India supported by DOS during 1995.
  
• Apart from these, National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) supports conduct of multi-theme and multi-level training programme / awareness workshops by training personnel from different line departments, selected State Remote Sensing Application Centres and ISRO / DOS Centres. About 350 professionals / University faculty members / School teachers and students are being trained annually.
  
• Towards, Long-term collaboration for Human Resources Development in the area of Remote Sensing and GIS on a regular basis, NNRMS has made arrangements with (i) Geological Survey of India training Institute, Hyderabad, (ii) National Water Academy, CWC, Pune, (iii) National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land use Planning, ICAR, Nagpur. These institutions regularly conducts training programme for the benefit of in-service professionals as well as researchers.
  
• IIRS has launched Distance Learning Program i.e. EDUSAT based training program since 2007 on “Basics of RS, GIS and GPS” at postgraduate level. More than 40 Universities / Institutions spread across India are covered under this programme training more than 2000 students.
  
• Realising the importance of Space technology, many Universities / Educational Institutions have started offering educational programmes in remote sensing & GIS / Geoinformatics, abiding the curricula standardized by NNRMS.

Ph.D. registration & Employment Opportunities at ISRO

ISRO with a vision to develop India as a major space faring nation with a multi- dimensional program benefiting every citizen, is looking for young, dynamic and dedicated Scientists/Engineers, interested in space science & technology and a wide spectrum of their applications. ISRO is responsible for research, systems development and provision of sustainable and self reliant space based services in areas such as telecommunications, TV broadcasting, meteorological applications, natural resources survey, disaster warning, environmental monitoring. INSAT and IRS series of satellites, operated by ISRO are well recognised as being the state-of-the-art. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) developed by ISRO is now operational and is being used for launch of Indian and foreign satellites. Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), for launching INSAT class of satellite has also been made operational.Work on next generation satellites to provide enhanced and augmented services is in progress. Please visit our main website for more details.

ISRO with its state-of-the-art technology and excellent technical infrastructure and facilities, offers challenging roles and good opportunities for young Scientists/Engineers to channelise their talents for nation building. Endowed with a unique work culture of its own, ISRO enables committed and hard working men and women to carve out a niche for themselves by their scientific and technical achievements.

Excellent professional and career growth potential are available for right persons on appointment as Scientist/Engineer-SD. Promotions based on merit, excellent laboratories, library, computer and other infrastructural facilities exist. Attractive benefits such as free transport, housing accommodation, house building advance, medical facilities, subsidised canteen, provident fund, pension, insurance and other social security measures are also provided.

PhD holders (also those who have submitted the thesis and awaiting award of the degree) with specialisation in Science or Engineering that are relevant to ISRO such as Aeronautics, Agriculture, Atmospheric Sciences, Chemical, Civil, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Computer, Control Systems, Electrical, Electro-Optics, Electronics, Environmental, Geology, Material Science and Metallurgy, Mechanical, Oceanography, Power Systems, Remote Sensing, Space Science, Structures, Telecommunication, Water Resources, etc., are invited to register themselves for possible employment in ISRO. As and when vacancy arises, those enrolled in the Live Register will be considered for selection based on the discipline in which vacancy occurs.

For registration & other employment opportunities at ISRO kindly log in to http://www.isro.org/scripts/job.aspx

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)

The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), which is declared as Deemed to be University under Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956, was set up under Department of Space, Goverment of India, and offers undergraduates B Tech programme in Avionics, Aerospace Engineering and Physical Sciences. IIST also offers post graduate and doctoral programmes to meet the requirements of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). In addition to the regular curriculum, the courses will have special modules tailored to space technology and space science. IIST focuses on high-end research activities with the country's space programmes and related innovative ventures.

The Institute provides a full fledged infrastructure of International standards to develop an excellent academic and research atmosphere.

The Institute is being developed as a centre of excellence in the area of advanced space science and technology and offers Undergraduate, Post-Graduate and Doctoral programmes in Space Science, Space Technology and Space Applications. It also provides post-doctoral fellowship in the niche areas in Space Science and Technology to cater to the sophisticated technological requirements of ISRO. In this institute the education will be totally integrated into high technology research work being carried out at ISRO Centres. Towards this it makes best use of R&D infrastructure of the Department of Space apart from creating its own resources to train the young mind in high technology areas. Efforts are being made to create a most innovative learning process by putting the best use of Communication and Information Technology. The institute provides a full-fledged infrastructure of international standards to develop an excellent academic and research atmosphere. The students will have the provision for scientific and academic interaction with eminent scientists in the country and abroad and also for exchange programmes between national and international universities. Along with the excellent infrastructure provided in IIST, the institute is also endowed with faculty members of fine academic excellence who not only nurture an excellent scholastic atmosphere here, but also act as mentors and counselors to the institute here. Personal and human touch in academic and scientific research is strongly emphasized in the institute.

During the academic year 2007-08, the institute has started functioning with Undergraduate programme in Technology with specialization in Avionics and Aerospace Engineering and Physical Sciences with specialization in Astronomy/Astrophysics, Material Science, Remote Sensing and Atmospheric & Oceanographic Sciences. The curriculum has been carefully structured taking into account the requirements of technologies pursued in Department of Space while keeping the generic requirement of engineering and science course intact. The institute also is making efforts to adopt modern methods of learning and has a good mix of practical, tutorial and lectures in its curriculum. Within a short time the institute will have the special satellite based connectivity with higher bandwidth, which would be essential for distant education delivery from premier institutions as well as research laboratories.

The institute is presently functioning in the specially created premises in the Campus of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. It has well established classrooms, hostels, and library and computer facilities. Efforts are on to have it's own permanent campus at Valiamala, 18 kms from Thiruvananthapuram Railway station adjacent to ISRO facilities with the main aim of having close interaction and sharing of specialized infrastructure wherever necessary. The campus shall house academic areas, research laboratories, Library and Information area, Computer Centre, Administrative area, senate cum convocation area, residential area for faculty & support staff, hostels and studio type apartments for research fellows, students activity centre etc.

As on today, IIST has 286 students and with 45 faculty members with a student faculty ratio of about 4:1. IIST has introduced a very effective mentoring system where every faculty member has a batch of 4 students to guide, support and enhance the student learning process.

Indian Institute of Remote Sensing

Introduction

Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) under National Remote Sensing Centre, Department of Space, Govt. of India is a premier training and educational institute set up for developing trained professional in the field of Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics and GPS Technology for Natural Resources and Disaster Management.

The main area of the function of the Institute is capacity building through technology transfer among user community, education at post-graduate level in the application of Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics for Natural Resources Management and promote research in Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics. The Institute provides value-added services in the field of natural resources management, remote sensing, GIS and GPS technology.

List of Certificate Courses

• Basic Photogrammetry & Remote Sensing
• GIS in Geosciences
• Land Information System
• GIS in Soils & Landuse Planning
• GIS in Water Resources Management
• GIS in Coastal Zone Management
• GIS in Forest Management
• Certificate course on "Geo-Hazards" 3 Optional streams :Hydrometeorological/ Geological/ Environmental
  

List of Diploma Courses

• Agriculture & Soils
• Forestry & Ecology
• Geosciences
• Marine Sciences
• Human Settlement Analysis
• Water Resources
• Digital Photogrammetry
• Post Graduate Diploma in Geoinformatics
• PG Diploma in "Geo-Hazards" 3 Optional streams : Hydrometeorological/ Geological/ Environmental

M.Tech Course

M.Sc. Course

M.Sc. Course

Orientation Course

NNRMS - ISRO Sponsored Courses: for University Faculty only

• GIS Technology and Applications
• RS & GIS Applications to Water Resources
• RS & GIS in Forestry/ Botany / Ecology / Wildlife / Environmental Science
• RS & GIS in Urban & Regional Planning
• Cartography and Mapping
• RS & GIS in Geosciences
• RS & GIS in Soils and Land Use Planning

List of International Programmes

• Short Course on Remote Sensing with special emphasis on Digital Image Processing (ITEC Sponsored).
• Short Course on Geoinformatics (ITEC Sponsored).