ISRO-START Programme
๐ Launched on: May 2, 2023
“Empowering Future Space Scientists & Technologists“
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has introduced the Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START) programme to create awareness and inspire students to pursue careers in space science and technology.
This online training programme is designed for postgraduate and final-year undergraduate students in physical sciences and technology, covering fundamental topics in space science, research methodologies, and India’s contributions to space exploration.
๐ Website: Jigyasa IIRS START
๐ Mode: Online via ISRO E-CLASS with an offline final exam at ISRO-START Nodal Centre, The Cochin College
๐ฐ Fee: Free of Cost
๐ Join us in shaping India’s future in space exploration!
๐ฉ For more details, contact:
๐ The Cochin College – ISRO START Nodal Centre
๐ง Email: paulbert@thecochincollege.edu.in
The Cochin College is proud to be an ISRO-START Nodal Centre since 2023. As one of the selected institutions nationwide, we have successfully completed two seasons of the START programme, and Season 3 is currently ongoing.
Programme Coordinators at The Cochin College
๐จโ๐ซ Dr. Paulbert Thomas โ Coordinator, ISRO-START Nodal Centre (๐ 9496827278)
๐จโ๐ซ Dr. Sathyanarayanan K. โ Assistant Coordinator, ISRO-START Nodal Centre (๐ 9447217985)
Through START at The Cochin College, students get direct access to expert lectures from ISRO scientists, hands-on exposure to the latest developments in space science, and certification from ISRO upon completion.
๐ Programme Duration:
- Season 1: April – May 2023
- Season 2: April 24 – May 10, 2024
- Season 3: January 9 – January 29, 2025 (Ongoing)
๐ฏ Objectives
- Introduce students to the fundamentals of space science and technology
- Provide insights into Indiaโs space exploration missions
- Highlight research opportunities in space science
- Encourage students to pursue careers in ISRO and space research institutions
๐ Topics Covered
- Astronomy & Astrophysics ๐
- Heliophysics & Sun-Earth Interaction โ๏ธ๐
- Instrumentation & Space Technology ๐ฌ๐
- Earth Observation & Remote Sensing ๐๐ฐ
- Mission Design & Space Engineering ๐๐ง
- Astrobiology & Search for Extraterrestrial Life ๐ธ๐งฌ
๐ Expected Outcomes
โ
Understanding the cross-disciplinary nature of space science
โ
Awareness of Indiaโs contributions to space exploration
โ
Exposure to research facilities & opportunities in India
โ
Encouragement to pursue careers in space technology
Who Can Apply?
๐ Category 1: Postgraduate & final-year undergraduate students from nodal centres
๐ Category 2: Individual participants interested in space science
๐ How to Register?
๐น Students from The Cochin College can register through the ISRO E-CLASS platform
๐น Others can participate via ISROโs YouTube Channel: @edusat2004
๐ Certification:
โ
Minimum 70% attendance required to appear for the exam
โ
Merit Certificate awarded for 50%+ scores
๐ข Register Now for Season 3! (Registration Closed)
๐ Student Registration Link
Overview of Space Science and Technology (2023)
The first season of START covered a broad introduction to space science and technology, featuring expert-led sessions on:
- Indiaโs Space Exploration Endeavour
- Remote Sensing & Earth Observation
- The Sun & Solar System
- Mission Design & Scientific Payloads
- Cosmology & Exoplanets
๐ View Full Season 1 Schedule: Download

Exploration of the Solar System (2024)
๐
Dates: April 24 – May 10, 2024
๐ฐ๏ธ Topics Covered in Season 2:
1๏ธโฃ Introduction to the Solar System & Its Formation
2๏ธโฃ The Sun: Our Star & Its Influence
3๏ธโฃ Earth & The Evolution of Life
4๏ธโฃ Exploration of the Moon & Terrestrial Planets
5๏ธโฃ Jupiter, Saturn & Other Gas Giants
6๏ธโฃ Moons, Comets, Asteroids & Meteorites
7๏ธโฃ Planetary Space Weather & Indian Lunar Missions
8๏ธโฃ Indiaโs Aditya-L1 Solar Observatory
9๏ธโฃ Mission Operations & Scientific Payloads for Space Exploration
๐ View Full Season 2 Schedule: Download

Future of Indiaโs Space Exploration (2025)
๐ Dates: January 9 – January 29, 2025
๐ Key Topics in Season 3:
Indiaโs Future Space Missions & Human Spaceflight
๐น Indiaโs Space Science Exploration: Past, Present & Future
๐น Indiaโs Own Space Station: The Bharatiya Antarish Station (BAS)
๐น Scientific Opportunities for Indian Astronauts on Lunar Surface
๐น Indiaโs Venture into Heliophysics & Space Weather
Solar System & Space Science Research
๐น Towards a Better Understanding of the Sun-Earth Connection
๐น Future Directions in Space-Based Astronomy & Astrophysics
๐น Exploring Exoplanets & Ground Observatories in India
๐น Lagrange Points as Vantage Points for Space-Based Exploration
Technologies Enabling Future Space Exploration
๐น Launch Vehicles & Advanced Propulsion Systems
๐น Docking in Space: Technologies, Challenges & Possibilities
๐น Communication & Navigation for Interplanetary Missions
๐น Scientific Payloads & Space Robotics
Sustainable Space Exploration
๐น Building Structures on the Moon: Challenges & Possibilities
๐น In-Situ Resource Utilisation & Disruptive Space Technologies
๐น Challenges in the Archival & Analysis of Planetary Samples
๐น Planetary Protection: Do We Need New Rules for Future Missions?
๐ View Full Season 3 Schedule: Download
Video Repository