Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), an institute of excellence being established with the objective of offering high quality education in space science and technology to meet the demands of Indian Space Programme, was inaugurated by Dr G Madhavan Nair, Chairman, ISRO, today (September 14, 2007) at Thiruvananthapuram. Dr B N Suresh, Director, IIST, Prof D Samchandran, Principal, College of Engineering and Rev. Fr. Mathew Mankkarakkavil, Principal, Mar Ivanious College, were also present on the occasion. Dr R Krishnan, Dean, IIST proposed the vote of thanks.

The institute offers Bachelors Degree in Space Technology with specialisation in Avionics and Aerospace Engineering as well as Integrated Masters Programme in Applied Sciences with special emphasis on space related subjects.

The curriculum for the four year undergraduate programme in technology in two streams has been developed keeping the high technology requirements of ISRO in mind. The first year syllabus will be common to both the streams. Second year and third year will have engineering stream curriculum and the fourth year curriculum will be developed as optional credits by careful selection of credits in specialised areas such as propulsion, aerodynamics, communications, embedded systems, software etc. Optional credits during the final year will be specialised subjects that are relevant to Space Technology.

The curriculum for the five year Integrated Masters in Applied Sciences will have rich content of theoretical science in first three years while last two years will have specialisation in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Atmospheric Science, Material Science and Remote Sensing & GIS with stress on experimental studies.

IIST will create its own full-fledged infrastructure to develop an excellent research atmosphere. Apart from this, students will have privileged access to advanced facilities of ISRO to carry out high technology research in space technology and science. IIST will be a residential institute and is being developed on a picturesque site in Ponmudi near Thiruvananthapuram.

One hundred and forty students from various parts of the country have enrolled for under graduate and masters courses. The courses are now being conducted at the alternate campus developed at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.