The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), located in Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is Asia’s first dedicated space research and education institute. It was inaugurated on 14 September 2007 by G. Madhavan Nair, then chairman of ISRO. IIST operates as a government-aided deemed university, playing a crucial role in fostering India’s space exploration efforts.
Established by: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
First Chancellor: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Former President of India)
Type: Deemed University
Focus: Space Science, Engineering, and Applications
Location: Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
IIST offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees specializing in space science and technology.
Aerospace Engineering
Avionics (Electronics & Communication with Space Applications)
Engineering Physics
Thermal and Propulsion Engineering
Control Systems
Earth System Science
Machine Learning & Computing
Materials Science and Technology
Structures and Design
Optical Engineering
Research areas include: Space Science, Propulsion, Remote Sensing, Astrophysics, and more.
Strong Collaboration with ISRO: Students benefit from internships, projects, and direct recruitment into ISRO after graduation.
State-of-the-Art Research Facilities: IIST houses advanced space laboratories, including satellite design and propulsion labs.
Participation in Indian Space Missions: Faculty and students contribute to missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Gaganyaan.
Nanosatellite Development: IIST has developed STUDSAT, Swayam, and INSPIRE satellites, supporting ISRO’s space exploration initiatives.
B.Tech. Admission: Based on JEE Advanced rank (with eligibility criteria set by ISRO).
M.Tech. & Ph.D. Admission: Through GATE scores and research aptitude tests conducted by IIST.
ISRO Absorption: Top-performing B.Tech. students receive direct placement in ISRO.
First University in Asia exclusively dedicated to space studies.
Ranks among India’s top engineering institutes for space and aerospace sciences.
Key Contributor to India’s Space Missions, producing world-class engineers and scientists.
Strong International Collaborations with NASA, CNES (France), JAXA (Japan), and other space agencies.
IIST serves as the backbone of India’s space research ecosystem, nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space explorers. With direct ties to ISRO, cutting-edge research, and world-class education, IIST continues to propel India’s space ambitions forward.
