Pune: Ajeenkya DY Patil University launches Centre of Excellence for NextGen Space Technology
Lohgaon, 23rd September 2024: Ajeenkya DY Patil University recently inaugurated Centre of Excellence for NextGen Space Technology for students aspiring to be a part of booming Indian Space Industry. The Centre was inaugurated at the hands of Air Vice Marshal Rajiva Ranjan in presence of Dr Rakesh Kumar Jain, Vice Chancellor-Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Nishakant Ojha International Renowned Expert -Cyber, Aerospace Security & Counterterrorism, senior staff members and others.
The Center will offer state-of-the-art facilities, including cutting-edge equipment, and foster a culture of innovation on campus. It will provide structured programs such as short-term certificate courses for students, customized certificate programs for defense personnel, professionals, and technocrats.
With a strong emphasis on research, collaborations and entrepreneurship, the Center will also host scientific conferences and seminars to equip participants with the latest skills and best practices. This initiative will open up exciting career opportunities in the space sector for both young students and professionals.
Air Vice Marshal Rajiva Ranjan said that teachers in academia play a vital role in nurturing the future generation, who then take the technology of our country to greater heights. Elaborating on latest developments for peaceful purposes he cited examples of critical sectors like agriculture and space communications. The technologies originate in academic and research labs and are then transferred to industry and finally to the end user. We need synergy between these, and this Centre will achieve it. Expertise and academic infrastructure of ADYPU in Aerospace and Space Technology department backed by a vibrant ecosystem of related institutes in Pune can further help nurture students at this Centre of Excellence.
Dr Ajeenkya DY Patil, President of Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU), said that that the university is positively influencing society through its unique educational offerings, ground-breaking research, and, most importantly, its unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. This Centre represents a significant advancement in our mission to deliver a comprehensive education to our students, equipping them not only with the latest skills and technologies but also fostering an entrepreneurial and collaborative mindset to prepare them as the global professionals of the future.
He further said, “With India emerging as a space power, there is a pressing need for a large number of professionals and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the development of affordable and accessible space technologies for the world. This Centre embodies our vision and has the potential to transform the field of space research education.
Dr Rakesh Jain, Vice Chancellor of Ajeenkya DY Patil University, said that the unprecedented accomplishments of ISRO, especially with recent successful missions like Chandrayaan, have sparked immense enthusiasm among young people, who are now more eager than ever to explore space technologies. The privatization and commercialization of space technologies have created a lot of enthusiasm and demand for space technologists. This Centre will help students explore their interest and realize potential in this field which is seeing nothing short of revolution.
Dr Nishakant Ojha, an internationally renowned expert in cyber, aerospace security and counterterrorism, stated that the Centre of Excellence for NextGen Space Technology is expected to focus on cutting-edge advancements in space technology, with a particular emphasis on defense applications. Supported by students from across all engineering disciplines, the center will likely cover key topics such as satellite technology, space-based sensors, missile defense systems, advanced propulsion systems, and cybersecurity for space assets.
