The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Indian Space Association (ISpA) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at cultivating a new generation of space engineers in India. This collaboration seeks to address the shortage of skilled professionals in the country’s expanding private space sector by bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The new space technology curriculum introduced under this partnership will encompass a broad spectrum of topics, including launch vehicle systems and advanced space data applications. This initiative represents a significant advance in incorporating space technology into engineering education, equipping students with essential knowledge for success in India’s growing space industry.

At a recent space symposium in Delhi, AICTE Chairman T.G. Sitharam stressed the significance of the MoU in enhancing student and faculty awareness of space technology. “We plan to use webinars, events, and exhibitions to showcase the potential of space technology and its applications,” Sitharam explained. He noted that the initiative would provide students with exposure to the latest technological advancements and opportunities within the space sector.

The partnership will also enable industry engagement through activities such as industry visits, internships, and job placements. Additionally, space technology challenges and hackathons will be organized for teams from AICTE-accredited engineering institutions.

The drive to integrate space technology into engineering curricula has been ongoing. In June, Pawan Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotions and Authorization Centre (In-Space), highlighted the need for dedicated space sector courses in Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other engineering colleges.

Sitharam further described the new curriculum, developed with In-Space, as crucial for supporting India’s future space ecosystem. “A robust space infrastructure is vital for fostering innovative applications and competitive services in a cost-efficient manner,” he stated.

ISRO Chairman Somanath supported this vision, citing the economic impact of India’s space program, which he claimed has yielded a return of 2.5 times the investment. He emphasized the sector’s contribution to various industries and issued a call for space entrepreneurs to drive innovation.

The recent Union budget’s allocation of ₹1,000 crore to a venture fund for space startups was praised by industry leaders, including Narayan Prasad Nagendra, COO of Satsearch, who viewed it as a boost for foreign investment and India’s space ambitions.

With this MoU, AICTE and ISpA are making significant strides in developing the next generation of space engineers, positioning India to lead in global space exploration and innovation.