If someone wants to make a career on Space Scientist then of course this is the right webpage for them. On this page all the details on “How to Become a Space Scientist” has been discussed elaborately. This article contains the details of criteria, educational qualifications, roles and responsibilities, career options, salary, job opportunities etc.
Choosing as career as a Space Scientist can be termed as a great option. Today, young generations are more interested to explore space and things related to it in order to gain knowledge and collect information about being a space scientist.
About Space Scientist
Generally, the subject space science is the related to gathering of information and exploring the universe. Today, apart from astronomy, various other fields also deal with Space Colonization, Galactic Science, Space Defense, and Astrophysics etc. Some of the other concerned areas which must be looked upon are Satellite Meteorology, Atmospheric Sciences, Global Climate, GIS, and Satellite Communication etc.
Basically, the role of a space scientist is to explore the universe and accordingly collect the information related to it. However, the research work of a space scientist is a challenging and difficult job to do.
Usually, Astronauts, Rocket Scientists and Meteorologists are known as space scientist. These people are engaged in doing research on universe and build the equipment tools for the project’s successful implementation.
Mostly, Ph.D. holders in Math’s, Physics, Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical and Astronomy are hired as space scientist.
Steps to Pursue a Career as a Space Scientist
If someone is interested to become a space scientist or wants to pursue a career as a space scientist then, the following steps must be followed;
Step 1: Choosing Science Stream
The first step to become a space scientist begins with selection of correct stream which is Science after class 10th. It is compulsory to be from science stream after 10th which includes subjects like Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Without the above-mentioned subjects, it is not possible to get a degree admission in space agency as the students must be from science stream is compulsory to pursue a degree course in order to become a space scientist.
Step 2: Entrance Exams
After choosing the science stream, on must select the subject field which may be either Pure Science or Engineering. The next step is appearing the entrance exam after Class 12th. After clearing the entrance exam, one must pursue a bachelor’s degree either it can be B.Sc. in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics or can pursue B. Tech or B.E degree. Apart from that, a master’s degree is also necessary after pursuing bachelor’s degree any of the above-mentioned subjects. Some of the entrance exams related to this are JEE Advanced, AIEEE, JEE Main, IIST and BITSAT.
Step 3: Selection of College or University
After, qualifying in the entrance exam, the next step is to select the right college or university. Most of the students want to join best universities across the globe for this course. Usually, students from best universities get a fair chance to get direct recruitment in ISRO or NASA. Thus, it is important to select the college or universities wisely.
Step 4: Recruitment of Space Scientist
Generally, in India space scientist are placed by DRDO, VSSC, NASA and ISRO. The candidates are hired basing on their academic records, grades, educational qualifications and experience. Basically, candidates having a master’s degree or Ph.D. will have more chances of getting hired at a higher grade as compared to candidates having less qualification and experience.
Entrance Exam & Syllabus
The syllabus for cracking the entrance exam to become a space scientist is mentioned below
Space Scientist as Civil Engineering
- Theory of Structures
- Concrete Technology
- Steel Design
- Irrigation Engineering
- Estimating, Valuation, and Costing
- Surveying
- Building Materials
- Transportation Engineering
- Hydraulics
- Environment Engineering
Space Scientists as Electrical Engineering
- Basic Concepts
- Magnetic Circuit
- Fractional Kilowatt Motors
- AC Fundamentals
- Generation
- Electrical Machines
- Estimation and Costing
- Synchronous Machines
- Utilization and Electrical Energy
Space Scientists as Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Digital Electronics
- Analog Electronics
- Basics of circuits and systems
- Electrical and Electronic Measurements
- Analytical and optical instrumentation
- Control Systems and Process
Educational Qualification to Become a Space Scientist
As mentioned above, to become a space scientist, there are a certain set of qualification required. For example, a MBA student is not qualified to become a space scientist. Thus, it is necessary to choose the right subject. Her, is a list a of some of the courses which is required to be pursued to become a space scientist.
- B.Tech in Avionics Engineering
- B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering
- B.Tech +M.S.
- B.Tech. in Engineering
- B. Sc in Physics
- M.sc. in Physics
- M.Sc. Astronomy
- M. Tech in Electronics
- M. Tech in Electrical
- M. Tech in Mechanical
- M. Tech in Computer Science
- M. Tech. in Optical Engineering
- Ph.D. in relevant disciplines
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for recruitment in ISRO, NASA, VSSC & DRDO are provided below;
| Organization Name | Educational Qualification |
| ISRO | ME / MSc / BE /ITI /Btech / MTech
|
| NASA | Bachelor degree / Engineering /Any of the courses in physical science like Mathematics / Life Science |
| VSSC | M.Sc / M.E / B.E / B.Tech / M.Tech / M.D in medicine |
| DRDO
|
Bachelor’s degree in Science or a Diploma degree in Computer Science / Engineering / Technology |
How to Become a Space Scientist in ISRO?
9 out of 10 students aspire to be a space scientist in ISRO as it is the national space agency of India. A chance of working is ISRO in 3 ways. The details whereof are mentioned below;
- Firstly, students who have completed graduation from IIST and have obtained score 7.5 CGPA.
- Secondly, through the campus recruitment, mainly ISRO picks talented candidates from IITs and NITs for various job profiles.
- Lastly, by appearing in the ICRB ISRO examination, it is a recruitment exam where the candidate has to obtain prescribed marks to qualify. The candidates having scored 65% in graduation are eligible to appear in this examination.
How to Become a Space Scientist in NASA?
NASA, a space agency based in United States of America. This organization is engaged in space research, aeronautics and management of civilian space programs. It is a dream for every aspiring space scientist to work in NASA. However, there are some criteria which must be fulfilled to become eligible to work in NASA. The details whereof are mentioned below;
- Firstly, the student must be a citizen of United States of America. However, an Indian student can work for other international space partners of NASA in case the eligible criteria are fulfilled.
- Candidates should have a master’s degree in STEM courses along with professional experience of 2 years in the specified area and also have to pass NASA long-duration flight astronauts physical.
- Apart from that, the candidate must possess certain skills including communication, leadership and teamwork.
The applications are reviewed by the Astronaut Selection Board of NASA. Selected applicants are called for the interviews in small groups at Johnson Space Center of NASA located in Houston, Texas. Basing on the performance in the interview candidates will be called for the second round of the interview and then final.
As mentioned above, Indian applicants cannot be appointed in NASA. However, they can work at the International Space Partners of NASA. Some of the International Space Partners of NASA are mentioned below;
- Centre National D’Etudes Spatiales
- German Aerospace Center (DLR)
- Agencia Espacial Brasileira (AEB)
- European Space Agency
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
- Brazilian Space Agency
- Canadian Space Agency
- Russian Federal Space Agency
- Italian Space Agency
Some of the Top Colleges for Space Scientist Courses in India
India is considered having one of the finest educational institutions offering courses which are needed to become a space scientist. Some of the graduates from Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology IT having good academic records are directly contacted by ISRO. On the other hand, the graduates from IIT are hired through placement drive conducted by ISRO. Some of the top colleges of India for Space Scientists courses are mentioned below;
- Nainital Indian Institute of Astrophysics
- Bangalore Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics
- University of Hyderabad – Centre for Earth and Space Sciences
- Pune National Centre for Radio Astronomy
- Pune Physical Research Laboratory
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Kerala
- Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences
- Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
- Ahmedabad Radio Astronomy Center
Some of the Top Colleges and Universities Abroad for Space Scientist Courses
Apart from studying in India in the above-mentioned colleges or universities, one can also get himself or herself enrolled in some of the top colleges and universities abroad offering space scientist courses. Some of the countries offering such courses are United Kingdom, United States of America, Ireland and Australia. Some of the top colleges and Universities offering space scientist courses outside India are mentioned below;
- University of Leicester, United Kingdom (UK)
- Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University, United States of America (USA)
- University College Dublin, Ireland
- University of Bath, United Kingdom (UK)
- University of New South Wales, Australia
- University of Kent, United Kingdom (UK)
- Stevens Institute of Technology, United States of America (USA)
- RMIT University. Australia
- Temple University, United States of America (USA)
- University of Southampton, United Kingdom (UK)
Salary of Space Scientist
A table containing the details of salary structure of a space scientist is mentioned below
| Job Profiles | Average Salary (In Rs.) |
| Civil Engineer | 3,08,471 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 3,49,393 |
| Research Scientist | 6,97,815 |
| Air Traffic Systems Specialist | 7,15,000 |
| Aerospace Engineer | 8,26,598 |
Salary of Space Scientist in ISRO
A table containing the details of salary offered by ISRO for space scientist is provided below
| Job Profiles | Average Salary (In Rs.) |
| Scientist/ Engineer- SE & SD | 15,600 to 39,100 |
| Scientist/ Engineer – SG | 37,400 to 67,000 |
| Scientist/ Engineer- SF | 37,400 to 67,000 |
| Scientist/ Engineer – H & G | 37,400 to 67,000 |
| Outstanding Scientist | 67,000 to 79,000 |
| Distinguished Scientist | 75,500 to 80,000 |
Job profiles for Space Scientist
The following are some of the job profiles for a space scientist;
Recruiters for Space Scientist
The following are some of the recruiters for Space Scientists
- VSSC
- Rolls Royce
- ISRO
- ODYSSEUS Space
- Boeing
- Blue Origin
- S.A.B Aerospace S.r.o
- SpaceX
- Bradford Deep Space Industries
- Space Talos Ltd.
- Astro Agency
- Agnikul Cosmos
- Airbus
- DRDO
- Airlines
Role & Responsibilities of Space Scientist
The role and responsibilities of a space scientist is mainly to build infrastructure of the space with required tools and develop space related equipments. However, the following are some of the other roles and responsibilities.
- Ensuring the safety norms
- Follow the environmental policies and law
- Ensure the licensing to continue the work.
- Taking care of the testing of the space craft and operating parts of it.
- Gather all the information required in order to deliver people concerning the space and its components and happening in the space.
- Help in launching the vehicles and providing some other services to the satellite.
Conclusion
To conclude, the article was all about concerning how to become a space scientist. It is one of the easy and simplest guides for those who want to make a career as a space scientist. This step by step guide would help an aspiring space scientist a proper guidance to pursue a career as a space scientist.
FAQs
- What is the best institution in India for building a career as a Space Scientist?
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research is considered as one of the best institutions in India.
- Is Ph D is compulsory to become a space scientist?
No, PhD is not compulsory. However, generally ISRO prefers candidates having a PhD degree.
- Is an integrated engineering student eligible to work in ISRO?
Yes, students pursuing integrated courses are also eligible to work in ISRO.
- How can I become a space scientist after class 12th?
After class 12th in order to become a space scientist, one has to appear in the entrance exam and then get enrolled in a university offering a course related to space scientist of any choice. Later, after completion of Master’s degree, you can apply for jobs related to space scientist.
- How much duration it takes to become a space scientist?
It will take around 5-7 years to become a space scientist whether it may be in ISRO or NASA.
