Students from Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering gained valuable insights into India’s rapidly expanding space industry during an interaction with senior executives from IN-SPACe and private Indian space firms on Feb 28.
The Indian delegation, in Singapore to participate in the Global Space Technology Convention and Exhibition (GSTCE) at Marina Bay Sands, discussed a wide range of topics, including space policy, industry regulations, job opportunities and challenges in international collaboration.
IN-SPACe, or the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, is an autonomous agency under India’s Department of Space. It plays a crucial role in boosting private-sector participation in India’s space economy by supporting Non-Government Entities in the development of launch vehicles, satellites and space-based services.
The session at NTU featured presentations by IN-SPACe, GalaxEye and Skyserve, followed by a question and answer session where students actively engaged with the space industry leaders.
The event, which took place at NTU’s Satellite Research Centre (SaRC) and Conference Hall, was initiated by NTU’s Senior Lecturer Felix Lena Stephanie, deputy programme director of the MSc Project Management Programme, and received support from the High Commission of India.
“The presentations were very comprehensive, covering not just technical aspects but also business models and unique opportunities in India’s space sector,” said Ms Stephanie.
The session, which attracted 45 students despite it being recess week, generated significant enthusiasm, with the young space enthusiasts expressing keen interest in potential careers in India’s space industry.
“A Chinese student even asked if he could find work in India,” Ms Stephanie noted, emphasising the broad appeal of India’s advancements in space.
For the Indian students at NTU, the event was an eye-opener. “Many didn’t even know about the career opportunities available for them in India’s space sector,” she added.
This engagement follows an earlier educational tour to Bengaluru and Mysuru in January this year, when 19 NTU students and two faculty members – including Ms Stephanie – visited major institutes like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), private space technology firms and SMEs to explore India’s growing space ecosystem.
“It was a very insightful trip, allowing students to familiarise themselves with India’s space capabilities,” she said.
The ongoing exchanges between NTU and India’s space industry signal the possibility of deeper academic collaborations, including potential final-year project partnerships with Indian space firms. “This is not a one-off event. We are carefully thinking about how to sustain this engagement,” Ms Stephanie said.
IN-SPACe representatives echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about future academic and industrial partnerships between India and Singapore.
India’s space programme, developed over six decades, is known for its application-driven approach that brings space-based services to everyday users.
At GSTCE 2024, the Indian delegation showcased the country’s growing private space industry.
The India Space Pavilion featured six Indian companies – Suhora, Ananth Technologies, GalaxEye, Skyserve, Hical Technologies and Manastu Space.
“It was a great opportunity to network, and Indian firms look forward to exciting collaborations with global entities, including those from Singapore,” said Mr Partha Pratim, assistant director, Promotion Directorate at IN-SPACe.
