DESIREE&Friends 3: Organics in space: A national capacity building initiative in India: Opportunities and challenges

by Prof. Umesh Kadhane (Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology)

Tuesday 10 Jun 2025, 13:00 → 13:45 Europe/Stockholm

FB54 (AlbaNova Main Building)

Abstract:

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Asia’s first space university, was established in 2007 under the Department of Space, Government of India. It has played a crucial role in supplying a skilled workforce for India’s space program while driving research in space technology and sciences. Among several research programmes at IIST, three major laboratories, namely, Atomic and Molecular Physics (AMP) Lab, Electric Propulsion Diagnostics Lab (EPDL), and Sensors and Payloads Lab (SPDL)—have significantly contributed to the development of space science and technology at IIST. The first half of the seminar will provide a brief overview of the activities in these labs.

The second half will introduce Organics in Space, a pan-India national initiative launched in 2023. The widespread presence of complex organic molecules in the solar system is transforming our understanding of life’s origins. As India undertakes more ambitious space missions, targeted astrochemical research becomes increasingly vital. The Organics in Space initiative aims to establish a national laboratory network, foster international collaborations, and engage with India’s space agency to drive impactful research. This will lead to development of a strong workforce, ground infrastructure and future space missions to address one of the most fundamental question to humankind. The seminar will introduce the Indian Organics in space community in general. Later we will discuss the status of this initiative, the steps taken by a few interested Indian researchers and explore avenues of international collaborations.