Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has partnered with Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) to undertake Joint Research Activities. The partnership model will be similar to the JPL-Caltech model followed by US Space Agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) is funded by NASA & managed by Caltech (California Institute of Technology). It is the leading centre for robotic exploration of the solar system and conducts Earth-orbit and astronomy missions.
- Under the initiative ‘New, advanced, futuristic projects’ which have not been undertaken so far by ISRO will be taken up for development.
Initiatives taken under Partnership
In order to implement the partnership model in India several initiatives have been taken,
- A Framework has been framed with Capacity Building Programme Office (CBPO).It will act as a focal point for coordinating Joint research activities between the 2 entities.CBPO is located in Bengaluru, at the headquarter of ISRO.
- An Advanced Space Research Group has been created to identify application-oriented research projects of importance to ISRO centres and matching with interests of IIST faculty.
- Constitution of an Empowered Overseeing Committee to review and approve the proposals.
Future Enhancements:
- Around 28-30 new, futuristic projects have been identified for development under the initiative.
- A mix of 2 years, 3-5 years, and 7-year projects would be pursued by IIST faculty.
- ISRO is planning to attract more talented individuals to space research through a Postdoctoral fellowship programme offered by IIST.
Institute of National Importance status to IIST
- ISRO has requested the Union Government to accord ‘Institute of National Importance’ status to IIST, which will allow various ISRO centres to become constituent learning centres and IIST to have a wider off-campus.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
- It is the 1st University in Asia to be solely dedicated to study and research of Outer Space.
- It was set up by ISRO under the Department of Space, Government of India.
Recent Related News:
i.December 17, 2020, ISRO has set up ‘NETRA’ (NEtwork for space object TRacking and Analysis) – a dedicated Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Control Centre at ISTRAC (ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network) Campus at Peenya, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
About Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST):
Director – Dr. V. K. Dadhwal
Location – Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
About Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO):
Chairman – K Sivan
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
