Career in Space Science

What: Do you dream to be an astronaut? Are you interested in solving the unknown mysteries of the universe? Love to take on the challenges of an unconventional career? Well, if you have answered in the affirmative to all the above questions, you might as well look for a career in space science and technology.

Broadly speaking, space science and technology deals with the study of universe outside the earth’s atmosphere. There are numerous branches of space science – astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, stellar science, planetary science etc. Originally, all these disciplines were considered as part of astronomy, but with recent developments and discoveries, they have become vast enough to be considered as separate fields on their own. Experts in fields such as robotics, satellite technology, medicine, biology, remote sensing, meterology etc. may also seek careers in space science after developing the skill sets necessary for the job.

The salary in space technology largely depends upon the academic qualification, institute from which the degree is obtained, and the nature of work. Budding space scientists can earn anywhere between Rs. 200,000 and Rs. 250,000 annually. Once an individual gains the right experience and acquires the requisite knowledge, there is no upper limit of remuneration for the right candidate.

How: Space science provides employment opportunities in a diverse number of fields. It is not just limited to mapping a distant planet or discovering something new and unique about the solar system. As a space scientist, one can be employed as faculty in universities or sit on academic committees, publish papers, guide research students, write proposals, and referee papers for publication. Government/national observatories, space research agencies, science museums, and planetariums can absorb astronomers and astrophysicists. Further, they can even find work in designing and manufacturing telescopes, writing software, and performing several tasks at ground-based observatories and space laboratories. Space scientists can try their hands at technical writing as well. Some other employment areas include simulation centers, space tourism operators, and spacecraft manufacturing firms, military operations, R&D centers, spacecraft software developing firms, and repair and maintenance workshops.

The eligibility criteria for joining programs in space science and technology vary according to the specific requirements of each job. Admissions to the undergraduate courses at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) is made on the basis of a candidate’s rank in the Joint entrance Examination conducted by IITs. In other places, candidates with B.Sc., M.Sc., B.E., M.E. or Ph.D. are usually selected. Study of science subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry at undergraduate level is usually a mandatory requirement.

Where: Pursuing a course in space science and technology can open up numerous career opportunities for students. Engineers with space science or technology qualification can find employment in organisations Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) etc.

However, before you join a career in space science, it is necessary for you to know the various requirements of the field – which skills to develop, which courses to take, where to study, and whose advice to seek. Therefore, if you are in love with space science and ready to work hard, its time you get yourself ready for an exciting career ahead.

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