Space Technology
Degrees offered: B.E /B.Tech, B.Sc., B.Sc.(Hons), M.E /M.Tech., M.S, M.Sc., Ph.D
What is Space Technology
Space technology is beneficial to the world in many ways. It’s a technology developed by the space science or aerospace industry to assist spaceflight, satellites and space study. This branch of engineering involves the study of the universe.
A lot of gadgets and emerging technologies are consequences of space technology. Space technology is a vast field that employs numerous scientists to fulfil its endless needs. It also aids in space station infrastructure and space warfare.
Most importantly space technology warns people of upcoming disasters eventually, saves thousands of lives. Day-to-day services like GPS systems, weather forecasting, climate monitoring is offered by space technology.
In India, many deemed universities are available to offer space technology courses for qualified students. After graduation, space enthusiasts have countless job opportunities and a bright future awaiting them.
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Space Technology
For Undergraduates
Students who have Class 10th and Class 12th with minimum of 60% in physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are eligible.
The rules are relaxed for students belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories.
The criteria vary across different universities and colleges.
Students have to qualify the JEE Main to advance to JEE advanced so that they can get admission in IITs.
Reputed colleges conduct their test; students have to qualify the entrance exam to take admission.
For Postgraduates
Minimum eligibility is to hold a B.Tech/ M.Sc. degree related to space in a recognized institution.
The minimal pass percentile is 45% or any other equivalent qualification.
Some of the big colleges conduct entrance examinations for admission to the postgraduate course.
Space Technology Entrance Exams in India
For Undergraduate Level
BITSAT- Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission test contains five subjects. They are Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics /Biology, English proficiency and logical Reasoning. All major topics deal with NCERT syllabus of 11th and 12th standards. Eligible candidates are those who have scored 75% or more in class 12 and 60% in individual subjects. The mode of examination is online and takes place for 3 hours.
JEE Advanced- JEE Advanced is an engineering examination conducted to get admission to various engineering colleges in India. The advanced JEE examination comprises two papers. Paper 1 and Paper 2, three hours each. Online or offline mode can be chosen as per the candidate’s choice. 23 IITs offer 10,000+ seats for B.Tech.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Admission Test (ISAT)
ISAT is a 3-hour MCQ test to get admission in Indian Institute of Space Science. Candidates must score at least 20% in the advanced examination and at least 5% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics individually. 4-year B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, B.Tech in avionics and 5-year Dual degree courses (B.Tech/M.Tech) are offered by universities.
For Post Graduate Level:
Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)- Integrated Ph.D courses are offered after JEST, which is a National Eligibility Test. The examination is based on two subjects, namely Physics and theoretical computer. Candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Physics/ technology/ engineering. The mode of examination is offline.
Junior Research Fellowship- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre Thiruvananthapuram conducts JRF to get admitted into space physics laboratory. First-class M.Sc graduates in physics/ applied physics/Space physics/ planetary sciences/ Astronomy with minimum 60% marks are eligible. 28 years is the age limit for JRF. Applicants who qualify the written test are called for an interview. Selected candidates will work for respected research areas.
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Scope of Space Technology in India and Abroad
Those who master space technology courses are employed in top space institutions in India like ISRO. Variety of options are available for aspiring space scientists. There are thousands of senior staff to guide a novice graduate in space technology.
The demand is huge, and space technologists are hired immediately on a condition that they are skilled. If you are an ardent space science enthusiast and ready to pursue new things, institutions are ready to receive you with open hands.
Common technologies employ space technology in them. Weather forecasting, satellite television, long-distance communication systems depend on space technologists. As a result, there’s an obvious increase in employability.
Candidates who master space science can be employed in NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) which is a governmental US agency.
There are different paths in NASA to choose a career in space. It’s important to note that the competition is heavy and demanding as well.
Course Fees Space Technology
Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Private | Government | Private | Government | |
UG | ||||
PG |
Course Subjects
Some of the subjects are listed below.
Astronomy
Astrophysics
Cosmology
Stellar science
Planetary science
Mathematics
Electronics
Thermodynamics
Engineering applications
Careers in Space Technology
There are a wide variety of options when it comes to careers in space. Individuals who want to become astronauts have to undergo voracious training and satisfy physical requirements. Competition is heavy.
Engineers have a massive part in space. Aerospace engineers work on various flight, spacecraft development, design and production. They also work on missiles and any other equipment.
Computer engineers work on developing new applications used in space systems. Materials engineers develop and build all kinds of mechanical devices and sensors. Robotics engineers include building a robot and programming it.
Technical support for robots is also provided by them. Space scientists pursue research and development in space science.
Those who love space and have excellent problem-solving skills are undeniably in for careers in space. Salary package is high.
Jobs given are new, exciting and productive for the economy. Different careers in space science have to be explored to choose the right one.
Upcoming trends
Space technology is developing new applications to meet the growing demands and needs. Many startups in India have begun to make their satellites and vehicles to provide space-based services.
SpaceX, a Space Company, owned by Elon Musk, has found a way to send rockets and bring them back to the earth by vertically landing them on a concrete pad. This is something which no aerospace agency has done before.
This new epoch of rockets is also lowering the cost of launching rockets by 100-fold, improving space travel and space tourism as well.
Consumer products like memory foam, LED lighting, portable cordless vacuums, freeze-dried foods are all existing because of space technology research.
Space technology trends help the economic well being of the country by advancing in science and technology.
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Space Technology Job Profiles
Profile | Job Description |
Astronomers | They study the objects within the universe- the planets, galaxies, and stars. They use tools like a telescope to make observations and gather data. |
They work with aircraft that serve both space and aeronautical purposes. The draft design for aeroplanes, spacecraft, helicopters and other flying machines. | |
They research and design computer systems that monitor the activity in space. Engineers with a networking background also come under computer software engineers who secure the space secrets. | |
Avionics Technicians | They install, inspect and test the various equipment such as radar, radio, navigation and mission control systems. |
Space Scientists | Research the atmospheric phenomena and interpret data gathered by satellites and air stations. Provide information that helps the public. |
They are recruited in the power electronics department that deals with research over fuel cell technology, energy storage and control systems. | |
They design, develop, build and test the engines and machines. They are essential in big space research centres. |
Top recruiters for space technology
Data science companies
Amazon
LinkedIn
Walmart Labs
Space research centres
ISRO
NASA
Graduates of B.Tech programmed in aerospace engineering are hired by ISRO. They are also entrusted with advanced projects. Aerospace engineering graduates are hired to work in challenging tasks like aerodynamic design and structural systems.
Defence Research and Development Organizations (Government)
Airlines
Airbus
Boeing
SpaceX
Rolls Royce
Blue Origin
S.A.B Aerospace S.r.o
Agnikul Cosmos
Space Talos Ltd.
Bradford Deep Space Industries
AstroAgency
ODYSSEUS Space
Average Salary
Profile | Salary |
Space Scientist | Rs. 8-9 Lakhs P.A. (Approx.) |
Mechanical Engineer | Rs. 2-12 Lakhs P.A. (Approx.) |
Electrical Engineers | Rs. 4-5 Lakhs P.A. (Approx.) |
Computer Engineers | Rs. 10-12 Lakhs P.A. (Approx.) |
Astronomers | Rs. 8-10 Lakhs P.A. (Approx.) |
Aerospace Engineers | Rs. 8-10 Lakhs P.A. (Approx.) |
Avionics Technicians | Rs. 5-7 Lakhs P.A. (Approx.) |
Required Skillset for Space Technology
Analytical Skills- As new technologies are emerging, it’s inevitable to possess analytical skills. It helps to analyze the benefits of new technologies for improving the process of missions. All the other skill requirements come under analytic skills. Collecting information and solving problems based on it demands strong analytical skills.
Communication- Most of the jobs in space involve working as a team. Communication helps in a detailed conversation with the team and assists in carrying out a mission successfully. Communication becomes tricky when travelling in space. Skilled space scientists overcome this.
Mathematics- Precise calculations have to be made during space travel. Routes for satellites, space probes and rockets are also derived using mathematics. Distance, speed and velocity are calculated by designers to design spacecraft. Mathematics drives space exploration.
Problem Solving- To define a problem and determine goals and objectives, space scientists use problem-solving. People with problem-solving abilities and mathematical skills ace every obstacle in space.
Volunteering- One of the most important aspects of individuals NASA requires is volunteering. NASA is also recruiting volunteers to go to mars. The scientists are studied thoroughly, and their state of mind and body are monitored.
Space Study- Many reputed organizations organize internships for young aspirants with massive potential. Studying space is the principal motive. This gives a beforehand experience on what exactly space scientists do. Experience can be added in the resume and is accepted as a skill by recruiters.
Science, Technology, Engineering/Math(STEM)- Classes on mathematics, science and engineering are important to land in a good career in space technology. Individuals have to train themselves on STEM.
Leadership- Leadership is a skill required for every job. Space mission needs someone with high leadership skills so that they take care of their crew. Space organizations have started to test the level of emotional intelligence in space scientists. Emotional intelligence plays a key role in handling people and facing mishaps.
Course Curriculum for Space Technology
B.E. space technology is a 4-year undergraduate course. It includes an introduction of robotic and human spaceflight. There are many careers after completing this course.
Postgraduate courses like M.Tech in space technology for two years involve an introduction to space systems, spacecraft environment, space structures and materials, special topics in space systems and thesis.
Those who have completed 3-year undergraduate courses in science can do PG courses in space technology to establish a career in space science.
Popular Space Technology Entrance Exams in India
JEE Advanced
Application Process: 09 Jun, 2024 - 10 Jun, 2024
AP PGECET
Application Process: 06 May, 2024 - 12 May, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Are online certifications available for space technology?
Answer :
Many online certifications are available for space technology. They are a source of knowledge and experience. Online certifications are sometimes recognized. But they aren’t the way to get a job. They just play a part in your resume.
Question: What are some best courses for astronomy?
Answer :
MSc in astronomy, MSc in astrophysics, MSc in meteorology and PhD in the same are best to go.
Question: Can a PCB student join a space research centre?
Answer :
Yes, PCB students can join as a research scientist in space research centres. On one condition, a PhD in Biology or Chemistry should be done by the individual. Then, there are chances for the student to get into space research institutions like ISRO/ NASA.
Question: Can space technology be pursued after BCom?
Answer :
Masters in space engineering courses have to be done after B.Com. or an undergraduate degree.
After completion, any individual can pursue a career in space technology.
Question: Is flying experience necessary for a career in space technology?
Answer :
Flying experience is not a requirement for a career in space technology. A bachelor degree in mathematics, science or engineering is the minimum requirement.
Engineers get through into a space station and get jobs according to their stream. Those who complete their masters in space get a senior position.
Question: What are the requirements to apply to NASA?
Answer :
The basic requirement is a US citizenship with master’s degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Minimum of two years of experience in a relevant field is needed. Professional experience as a pilot for 1000 hours in jet craft is a must. Teaching experience is a qualifying experience.