The ISRO UNNATI programme is being conducted at the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) at Bengaluru, and engineers and science students from various countries can apply

ISRO, India’s premier organisation in space science and technology, has invited applications for the second batch of UNNATI (UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training by ISRO) programme. The Indian Space Research Organisation’s ambitious initiative to encourage participant countries to strengthen their capabilities in assembling, integrating and testing nano satellites is one of the UNISPACE+50 initiatives.

While the first batch of UNNATI benefitted 29 participants from 17 countries like Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Algeria, Argentina, Myanmar, Oman, Panama, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Mongolia, Morocco and Portugal, the second batch will begin on 15 October 2019. The First batch of the training programme was inaugurated by the Minister of State (Space) Dr. Jitendra Singh on 17 January 2019 and was concluded on 15 March 2019.

What is the ISRO UNNATI Programme?

As part of United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs’ (UNOOSA) efforts to offer developing countries a simplified and increased access to satellite technologies as part of the UNISPACE initiative, India suggested for conducting a capacity building programme on small satellites realisation through a combination of theoretical coursework and hands on training on Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT). UNOOSA welcomed this concept and proposed to work jointly with India to make this programme a deliverable for UNISPACE+50 conference, says ISRO in its website.

Being the ISRO’s lead centre for satellite building, URSC formulated the basic structure of UNNATI programme. UNNATI provides hands-on training to assemble, integrate and test a low cost, modular nano satellite, among other things. The programme also provides theoretical course on satellite technology. The duration of the programme will be for about two months.

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Who can Apply for the ISRO UNNATI Programme?

Engineering, Science graduates or Post graduates who want to explore and learn about space technology, design of circuits for various space systems and management of space systems can apply for the UNNATI programme. Each participating country is allowed to nominate a team of 2 members consisting of one Mechanical Engineer and one Electrical or Electronics Engineer. In case a desired engineering candidate is not available, the alternate nominee must have physics background, says the ISRO website.

The language of the course is English, hence interested candidates are required to have knowledge of the language. The course will be conducted for a total duration of eight weeks and a batch of thirty participants will be selected.

How to Apply for ISRO UNNATI Online?

Interested participants can apply for the UNNATI programme from 1 June 2019 onwards until 15 July 2019. The Final list of candidates will be announced on 15 August 2019 and the course will be conducted from 15 October 2019 to 15 December 2019.

Candidates can register online with their correct email address and name, and the list of countries eligible for the programme is available in the UNNATI online registration form. Interested candidates are adviced to go through the official ISRO website in detail for more information on the UNNATI programme before applying for the same.