NEW  DELHI: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have taken a significant step towards advancing space education in India. Marking the first anniversary of National Space Day on 23 August 2024, AICTE, in collaboration with ISRO, the Indian Space Association (ISpA), and IN-SPACe, organized a one-day program titled “Creating a Space Ecosystem: A New Era—Igniting Young Minds for Space Exploration.” 

The event featured the launch of the AICTE Model Curriculum for Space Technology and the release of a book titled ‘Introduction to Finite Element Analysis’, co-authored by Dr. S. Somanath and Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair. An MoU was also exchanged between AICTE and ISpA to further promote higher education in the space industry.
 
The event was graced by Dr. S. Somanath, Secretary of the Department of Space, Chairman of the Space Commission, and Chairman of ISRO, who served as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished guests included His Excellency Herve Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union; Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt (Retd.), Director General of ISpA; Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE; Mr. Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary of New & Emerging and Strategic Technologies at the Ministry of External Affairs; Mr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre; Mr. A.S. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman of ISRO; Wing Commander Satyam Kushwaha (Retd.), Director of ISpA; and Prof. Rajive Kumar, Member Secretary of AICTE.
 
The program featured a motivational talk and a panel discussion on “Academic Ecosystems to Support Space Education,” highlighting the vital role of space technology in modern society.
 
While launching the book and Model Curriculum, ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath highlighted the importance of space technology. He said, “By equipping our students with the necessary knowledge and skills, we are paving the way for our nation to further establish itself as a global leader in space technology. Space technology is not something that can be bought; it requires developing knowledge and skills within our system and institutions. The investment we have made in our space program has profoundly benefited society in terms of economy, job creation, disaster management, and natural resource management. This Model Space Curriculum will be crucial in producing the next generation of space scientists, engineers, and leaders who will carry forward ISRO’s legacy of excellence.” He also congratulated everyone on the first anniversary of Chandrayaan-3’s successful lunar landing.
 
Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE, addressed the gathering by recalling the Chandrayaan-3, a historic moment for India.  He said, “By celebrating the 23rd August as National Space Day, India not only honors its achievements in space but also reinforces its position as a leader in global space exploration. The celebration of this day aims to foster a deeper interest in space sciences among the public, especially the youth, and to highlight the pivotal role of space technology in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.”
 
Herve Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union called for healthy competition and cooperation between countries to conquer space and develop new technologies for the benefit of mankind.
 
Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd.), Director General, the Indian Space Association (ISpA) stated, “We are dedicated to supporting the government’s vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat in the space sector, which involves fostering indigenous capabilities, promoting self-reliance in critical technologies, and reducing dependence on imports. ISpA is actively working to facilitate private sector participation in India’s space economy, and we believe that the synergy between government initiatives and private enterprises will be the key driver of innovation and growth in this sector. We need increased collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions to foster innovation and accelerate technological development. Investment in STEM education is crucial to nurturing the next generation of space scientists and engineers.”
 
This event marks a significant milestone in India's journey toward becoming a global leader in space technology, inspiring the next generation to explore the final frontier.