Bharat is leading in space technology and renewable energy, with many job possibilities in these rapidly growing sectors. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S. Somnath highlights that the Indian Space Industry has a vast potential for growth and development while estimating a $9-10 billion industry within 5-10 years.
India is the third-largest energy consumer in the world, behind the US and China. It also comes in third place for annual oil consumption, with over 22 tons consumed yearly. As per the International Renewable Energy 2023 Statistics, India ranks fourth globally in renewable energy installed capacity and fourth in wind. This article will discuss critical careers in space and the green energy sector.
Careers in Space
Following the successful missions of India’s Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1, there is a renewed interest in the space industry, particularly among young people. Ranking fourth globally behind the United States, Russia, and Europe, India has solidified its standing as a major participant in the space industry in recent years. Some job roles in the same line that candidates can pursue are Astronauts, Aerospace Engineers, Data Scientists, Research Scientists, Satellite engineers, Spacecraft engineers, Remote Sensing scientists, Ground Station engineers, Astrophysicists and many more.
Astronauts
Astronauts are trained scientists deployed by spaceflight programs to serve as crew members or commanders on spacecraft. Their roles include conducting experiments, carrying out missions, and gathering information while in space flight.
Education—Candidates can pursue their ambition of becoming astronauts by enrolling in bachelor’s, master’s, and research-level programs in subjects including aeronautics, astrophysics, aviation, aerospace, and aeronautical engineering, among others. In India, several institutions and universities provide these courses.
Salary—In India, the average yearly pay for an astronaut is around Rs 7.10 LPA. Top astronaut recruiters include DRDO, ISRO, HAL, NATO, and others. International organisations like NASA and the Russian Space Center provide opportunities to Indian students by offering an average yearly salary package of Rs 77.54 L to 98.12 L.
Aerospace Engineers
Aerospace Engineers work with aircraft and spacecraft. They are mainly involved in designing, developing, testing, and producing aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and equipment.
Education – Aerospace Engineers must have a bachelor’s degree, especially in Engineering.
Salary – Aerospace engineers in India can earn between Rs 4,00,000 to Rs 10,00,000 per annum.
Remote Sensing Scientist
Remote sensing is the process of gathering data from a distance regarding locations or items on the planet’s surface. Experts in this field may employ visible light-based aerial or satellite imaging. Alternatively, they can use “false images” that depict how the planet reflects heat, infrared, or microwave radiation. These “false images” provide information on the form, size, elevation, and composition of an item or area on the ground by displaying varying absorption and reflection patterns in their hues.
Education – Pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Geoinformatics Engineering, GeoSciences Engineering, Remote Sensing, or a related field to become a Remote Sensing Scientist in India.
Salary—The salary of a remote Sensing Scientist in India ranges between Rs 3.7 lakh and Rs 12.0 lakh, with an average annual salary of Rs 6.0 lakh.
Satellite Engineer
Satellite engineers technically support ground systems and satellites. They frequently specialise in systems, RF, antenna, propulsion, or electrical engineering and are typically trained as mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineers.
Education—Satellite Engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field, such as Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
Salary—In India, the average starting salary for a satellite engineer is about Rs 3.0 lakh per year, or Rs 25k per month. Becoming a satellite engineer can be done without prior experience.
Astrophysicist
Scientists specialising in studying space, stars, planets, and the cosmos are astrophysicists. They are in charge of data and statistical analysis, plotting, archiving, assessing, and reporting research findings.
Education – A profession in astrophysics is particularly desirable for those with advanced degrees. Those with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics, physics, or astronomy may find work as research assistants in the subject. A master’s degree is the minimum requirement for independent research or teaching, with a Ph.D.
Salary – In India, salaries for astrophysicists at ISRO range from INR 6 to 15 lakhs per year, depending on experience and position.
Careers in Green Energy
India has enormous potential for renewable energy, crucial to achieving sustainable living on Earth. Significant renewable energy sources in India include thermal, biomass, wind, solar, and tidal energy. These days, all big companies need to monitor their energy use. This suggests that opportunities in sustainable and renewable energy for engineering graduates will rise dramatically across all industrial sectors. Engineering graduates in electrical and mechanical engineering might choose jobs such as Solar Engineers, Project Managers, Chief Environmental Engineers, Energy Analysts, Waste Management Analysts, Sustainability Development Engineers, Recycle technicians, and Wind Farm Designers. Details can be checked below:
Solar Engineers
A solar engineer is a professional who specialises in the design, development, installation, and maintenance of solar energy systems. They are essential in advancing solar energy as a renewable and sustainable source.
Education – Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
Salary – The average annual income for a mid-career solar engineer with 4–9 years of experience is Rs 4.2 lakh, while the average annual salary for an experienced solar engineer with 10–20 years of experience is Rs 6.1 lakh.
