Igniting Passion for Space Education:

A Startup that's Leading the Way for Future Innovators

Dr. Nimish Kapoor

The Union Cabinet has approved a landmark investment of Rs. 31,772 crores for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), outlining an ambitious roadmap for India's space exploration until nearly 2040. This funding supports four pivotal missions: Chandrayaan-4, a Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), the enhanced Gaganyaan programme featuring the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), and the development of the new rocket, Soorya. These strategic initiatives mark a significant leap for ISRO, reinforcing India's commitment to harnessing space technology for national development and global leadership in space exploration.

Indian space achievements have not only positioned India at the forefront of space technology but have also demonstrated the immense benefits that space research can bring to various sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, disaster management, and resource mapping. Space technology plays a vital role in improving the lives of farmers, aiding in crop forecasting, and supporting fishermen with satellite-based navigation. India's first National Space Day, celebrated on August 23, 2024, marked a significant milestone in promoting space education among students. To maximise these achievements, awareness about space and integrating space education at a younger age is essential.

Genex Space, a startup founded by aerospace enthusiasts Ms Nikhitha Chadde and Shri Sujay Sreedhar, is leading this crucial task. The startup focuses on igniting a passion for space education among India's youth by offering innovative programmes and hands-on learning experiences.

Vision Behind the Start-Up

Founders of Genex Space believe that there is a substantial gap between academic training and the demands of the job market. Graduates often find them-selves lacking the essential knowledge and skills that employers seek, particularly in cutting-edge fields such as aerospace, robotics, and artificial intelligence. This gap not only hinders individual career prospects but also impacts the broader industry, which struggles to find qualified candidates to fill specialised roles.

Nikhitha Chadde, an aerospace engineer and educationist, and Sujay Sreedhar, an aeronautical engineer and an innovator with a huge passion for space technology, realised that modernised, interactive, and experiential learning methods are imperative to bridge this gap. This ensures that students are better prepared to meet the challenges of the future and contribute effectively to the workforce.

Genex Space's mission is to inspire and prepare the next generation of space pioneers through interactive, hands-on learning experiences that focus on practical applications in the space industry. A key part of this mission is offering students the opportunity to engage in real time space tech projects providing invaluable real-world experience in space technology and engineering. Additionally, Genex Space is also the recognised educational content partner of ISRO contributing towards the educational programmes of ISRO.

Specialised Curricula and Hands-on Learning

Genex Space has developed specialised, innovative curricula that bring the fascinating world of space science into classrooms, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning experiences that foster both curiosity and technical expertise. These educational programmes are designed to immerse students in real-world space projects, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By focusing on project-based learning, students have the opportunity to actively participate in the exploration of space science and technology rather than simply reading about it.

A key feature of Genex Space's curricula is the incorporation of satellite, rocket, and aeroplane design and construction activities. Students are guided through the entire process of designing, building, and even launching small satellites, such as CubeSats, to provide them with real-world experience in space technology. Through these projects, students not only learn about the science behind satellites but also gain hands-on skills in engineering, programming, and systems integration

In addition to satellite and rocket-building projects, Genex Space's curriculum integrates Astrophysics, Aeronautics, Astronautics, and also brings out the diversities of Space in their curriculum, providing a holistic space education that covers the technical, scientific, and practical aspects of space exploration.

Space-Themed DIY Kits: Exploring the Cosmos from the Classroom

Genex Space has launched an exciting range of space-themed Do-It-Yourself (DIY) kits designed to spark curiosity and make learning about space technology a hands-on adventure! With easy-to-follow instructions, these kits break down complex concepts, making them fun and accessible for students.

The Chandrayaan Rover DIY Kit lets students simulate operating a lunar rover just like those used in India's iconic Chandrayaan missions. With components that enable programming and remote operation, students gain invaluable insights into robotics and lunar exploration.

The Weather satellite tracking DIY kit empowers students to monitor and interpret data from satellites orbiting Earth. This hands-on experience reveals how satellites observe atmospheric conditions, enhancing understanding of weather forecasting and climate studies.

Students can build their own small satellite with CubeSat DIY Kit, mirroring the functionality of real CubeSats used in actual missions. As students assemble their CubeSats, they dive into satellite components, electrical systems, and communication technologies, mastering essential skills like power management and communication.

From Idea to Start-Up: Genex Space's  Journey

Shri Sujay Sreedhar, CEO, Genex Space says, "The idea for Genex Space was born from our experience with the Society for Space Education, Research, and Development (SSERD), a non-profit organisation we founded in 2017 to promote space education and awareness among students, particularly in underserved communities in both urban and rural localities. At SSERD, we organised workshops, space camps, and outreach programmes, reaching thousands of students across India. We noticed a growing enthusiasm among students to learn more about space science, but many lacked clear pathways to pursue space careers. This gap between passion and guidance led us to create Genex Space, which focuses on structured education and skill development in the field of space exploration".

The Startup recognised that a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn't work, so a curriculum was developed that caters to different age groups and academic levels. Each program is designed to offer a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, empowering students to apply what they learn in practical scenarios.

In addition to these technical skills, Genex Space has introduced students to cutting-edge topics such as astrophysics, including black holes, dark matter, and exoplanet discovery, says Ms. Nikhitha Chadde, Director, Genex Space.  She explains, "We also incorporate futuristic fields like space medicine, space law, and space architecture, ensuring that students are aware of the diverse career opportunities within the space industry with a focus on the future. Moreover, our curriculum goes beyond just learning; it encourages critical thinking and innovation by involving students in space mission simulations and design challenges".

Providing Career Guidance and Mentorship

One unique aspect of Genex Space's programmes is career guidance and mentorship. Recognising that many students are unsure of how to navigate a career in space, the startup provides structured guidance, linking students with industry experts and professionals who can mentor them on their journey. This is particularly important for students who want to specialise in niche fields like space entrepreneurship, space medicine, space law, where there's limited information available. Through these educational and skill development initiatives, Genex Space not only empowers students with the knowledge to excel but also provides them with a roadmap to turn their passion for space into a viable career.

"Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully transitioned the majority of our programmes to virtual platforms. Given our prior experience working internationally in virtual settings, adapting to the digital world was seamless for us. One of our programmes attracted 15,000 students from over 70 countries, significantly amplifying our impact. In fact, it was during this period that Sujay and I received our first salaries, marking a milestone in our journey." Says Ms. Nikhitha Chadde.

Space Reboot: Empowering Mid-Career Professionals to Transition into the Space Industry

As the space industry evolves with increasing demand for expertise across various fields, this program serves as a bridge for professionals from engineering, IT, management, and other non-technical sectors. It equips participants with the essential knowledge and skills to thrive in the dynamic world of space exploration and technology.

The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of the space sector, covering opportunities, satellite applications, global and Indian space ecosystems, and the role of startups and entrepreneurship in driving innovation. Participants from various sectors can explore how their skills can contribute to space, with insights into space laws, policies, and the regulatory environment.

Government Support

Genex Space received significant funding and support from the Government of Karnataka through the Elevate 2021 Grants, securing Rs.18 lakhs to develop innovative hands-on space-based do-it-yourself (DIY) kits. These kits are designed to engage students in practical space education, offering a unique approach to learning through interactive activities. Genex Space is also a partner of WE Hub, Government of Telangana's "Girls in STEAM" programme where female students are guided in the Space Sector.

In addition to the grants, Genex Space has been recognised for its contributions to space education and has become the official Educational Content Partner of ISRO. In this role, Genex Space provided educational content for various prestigious programmes, including ISRO's YUVIKA (Young Scientist Programme), CBSE Space Chapters under the National Education Policy (NEP), and the JAYAKAR programme for tribal students under Ministry of Tribal Affairs. These collaborations highlight Genex Space's leadership in the space education sector and its ongoing efforts to create impactful educational resources for students across India.

Navigating the Path to Space Careers

Institutions like ISRO, alongside numerous universities and private organisations, are rolling out programmes that help students pursue careers in space science, technology, and engineering.

Genex Space offers hands-on learning experiences and career guidance, fostering critical thinking and curiosity among students. Programmes like Astro Space Camp for younger learners, the Junior Space Scientist programme for high schoolers, and internships for under-graduates are making a profound impact. Many alumni have successfully transitioned to prestigious universities and careers in aerospace, joining leading organisations such as ISRO, NAL, DRDO and also the top private space startups of India.

(The author is a science communication specialist. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback. employmentnews@ gmail.com).

Views expressed are personal.