Space Power: Advancing India's Interests in the Orbits and Beyond
Course Description
The ability to use space for commercial, scientific and military purposes is a vital determinant of national power. Recent years have seen the rise of a global commercial space sector, growing lunar ambitions, and plans for interplanetary exploration. However, these developments have coincided with increasing military dependence on satellites, the development of ‘counterspace’ capabilities, and growing concerns about space governance.
This short course will provide an introduction to emerging issues related to space and how those could shape India’s interests, its opportunities, and the choices it makes. The course will cover the government and commercial space sectors, strategic affairs, and international governance.
The course is primarily designed to be useful for government officials, members of the armed forces, space entrepreneurs, lawyers, academics, policy professionals, as well as other individuals interested in outer space affairs.
Entry Requirements
An undergraduate degree in any discipline is mandatory.
Those interested must fill out the application form, which will be reviewed by Takshashila’s Academic Committee.
Takshashila Institution will issue a Certificate of Achievement to participants who successfully complete the course requirements.
Admission Process
The Academic Committee will review the application form and Statement of Purpose. Please take some time to reflect on your purpose for taking up this course and how you think you will be able to use the learning in the future. The Committee gives significant weightage to this response in their decision while reviewing the application. Hence, you are requested to fill this with utmost sincerity and diligence.
Fees
Standard: The full programme fee is ₹8,000 + GST.
25% Scholarship: For students, Takshashila alums and serving members of the Indian armed forces joining in their individual capacities, the fee is ₹6,000 + GST.
Serving Indian armed forces officers who are nominated for the course get full scholarship.
Fees, once paid, are non-refundable.
Course Structure
SP1: The Origins, Present and Future of the Space Age
SP2: An Introduction to Space Governance
SP3: Delving Into Space Law
SP4: India's Commercial Space Sector
SP5: Astropolitics: Space as a Strategic Environment
SP6: Negotiating Arms Control in Space
SP7: An Introduction to Geospatial Analysis
SP8: Understanding China’s Space Capabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
+ What are the entry requirements?
An undergraduate degree in any discipline.
+ How long is the ECC?
The ECC is a 4-week programme.
+ What is the teaching methodology?
The programme is largely delivered online through live webinars.
+ How many hours of work will a student be required to put in per week?
There will be two live online webinars every week, each lasting 90 minutes. Students will need to spend approximately 2-3 hours per week on readings and preparations. Therefore, the total amount of time that a student will be expected to spend in a week would be approximately six hours.
+ What are the fees for the ECC? Is there any financial assistance provided?
The programme fee for ECC is INR 8,000 (exclusive of taxes). For students, Takshashila alumni and serving members of the Indian armed forces the programme fee is INR 6,000 (exclusive of taxes). A valid proof will have to be provided in this case. For example: Student ID, Semester marksheet etc.
+ Is there any application fee?
No application fee is required.
+ Which university will award the ECC degree?
The ECC is an independent certificate programme of the Takshashila Institution and is not affiliated to any university.
+ What are the application deadlines?
Admissions to the course are on a rolling basis. The last day for applications is Wednesday, 31st July, 2024.
+ When will the programme begin?
Classes for the ECC will commence on Sat, 3 August, 2024.
+ How do I apply to the programme?
Applicants can fill the form by clicking on this link
+ I have another question!
Email your queries at scc@takshashila.org.in
This course is supported by the India Space Association.
Key Dates:
Application deadline
Wed, 31 July 2024
Programme begins
Sat, 3 August 2024
Programme ends
Sat, 24 August 2024
Featured Faculty
Aditya Ramanathan
Aditya Ramanathan is a Research Fellow with the Takshashila Institution where his work focuses on outer space affairs and advanced military technologies. He is co-editor with Lt General (Dr) Prakash Menon of The Sheathed Sword: From Nuclear Brink to No First Use.
Ashok G.V.
Ashok G.V. is a Partner with Factum Law, Bengaluru, India. He advises space technology companies on Domestic and International SATCOM and Remote Sensing Regulations. Ashok has also addressed audiences from national security backgrounds on space security and has authored papers and articles on the subject.
S. Chandrashekar
S. Chandrashekar was the JRD Tata Visiting Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. He also spent more than 20 years working at ISRO where he covered all parts of the programme including satellites, rockets and remote sensing. He has represented and led Indian delegations to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
Narayan Prasad
Narayan is Chief Operations Officer at satsearch, the world’s largest marketplace for the space industry that streamlines procurement for team building space missions and suppliers. He also hosts the NewSpace India podcast, where guests discuss the Indian space program and its progress.
Pranav Satyanath
Pranav R Satyanath is a Policy Associate at SkyServe, an AI & edge computing technology company for satellites platforms. His research lies at the intersection of technology and policy, and he has written extensively on subjects related to arms control, domestic space policy, space warfare and international space cooperation.
Dr Y. Nithiyanandam
Dr. Nithiyanandam, Professor and Head of the Geospatial Research Program at Takshashila Institution, is a leading academician in the field of space and spatial sciences. He is the lead author of the 'Takshashila Geospatial Bulletin,' a monthly publication renowned for its research-driven insights derived from geospatial intelligence. His research interests include advanced remote sensing and geospatial policy.