COVER STORY

IN-SPACe has approached various Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh seeking their interest in establishing space manufacturing cluster. IN-SPACe will provide technical consultation to the state government for establishing common technical facility within the space manufacturing cluster identified by the state government. Govt of Andhra Pradesh has recently announced state level policy for space sector.

IN-SPACe is handholding Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in the form of facilitation mentorship, transfer of the technologies, funding support etc. As per the data available, a total of 11 NGEs established in Andhra Pradesh, are registered with IN-SPACe. Among these 9 are start-ups. However, only 1 out of 11 NGEs has availed support from IN-SPACe with respect of facilitation, seed fund and authorization.

Following educational initiatives have been introduced to improve Space Engineering Competency and Entrepreneurship:

In a move to foster skill development of industry and academia in the space sector, IN-SPACe has conducted 10 Short Term Skill Development Courses covering the spectrum of space sector.

A National Committee for Adoption of Space Technology Education in India is formed to facilitate and promote space technology education across academic institutions in India.

Developed curriculum for B.Tech. Minor Degree in Space Technology and the same is approved by AICTE.

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

In a significant inter-ministerial initiative, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, convened a joint meeting with Union Minister for Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to chart out a comprehensive roadmap for the upcoming National Space Day celebrations to be held on 23rd August 2025.

The meeting aimed to develop a coordinated strategy to engage students, scientific communities, and the general public in celebrating India’s remarkable space journey while paying tribute to its rich legacy of traditional astronomy.

The meeting was graced by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries and thought leaders from the scientific and cultural domains. Among them were Shri Vivek Agrawal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India; Shri V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO; Shri A.D. Choudhary, Director General, National Science Centre Museums; and Shri Sacchidananda Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA. Their participation added depth and perspective to the discussions, ensuring a holistic approach to the upcoming National Space Day celebrations. Their collective insights helped shape a visionary plan to integrate cultural heritage with cutting-edge science and technology.

“India is not a newcomer to space and science. Our ancestors had a deep understanding of astronomy, and today, we are counted among the global space powers,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasizing the continuum of Indian scientific excellence.

Deliberations centered around connecting India’s ancestral knowledge of astronomy with its contemporary space advancements. Participants noted that India’s ancient sky-mapping traditions form the cultural backbone of today’s scientific thinking.

The Ministries of Science & Technology and Culture will collaborate to curate exhibits, educational content, and outreach programmes that showcase this unique blend of traditional knowledge and modern innovation.

Recognizing the power of young minds, the Ministers committed to making National Space Day a student-led initiative. Plans include science fairs, interactive sessions with ISRO scientists, planetarium shows, and competitions across schools and colleges.

“We must cultivate a scientific spirit from an early age. National Space Day will inspire our youth to become tomorrow’s astronauts, engineers, and innovators,” said Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the citizen-centric applications of space technology, positioning it as a powerful tool for national development and everyday convenience. He emphasized the need to showcase how space-based solutions are already transforming millions of lives across the country. From SVAMITVA land-mapping using satellite imagery for property validation, to disaster warning systems and real-time weather forecasting that enhance preparedness, space technology is proving invaluable. Additionally, it supports telecommunication services in remote regions and enables agriculture monitoring and precision farming, thereby contributing significantly to rural empowerment and efficient resource management.

“The space sector is now directly linked to governance, service delivery, and economic empowerment,” he noted.