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Education
Minds on outer space
LAST FORTNIGHT we talked about people who "shape the spaces" in which we live, but the focus of attention since then has been on a different notion of space — outer space, and the tragic accident that befell the crew of the shuttle Columbia. The newspapers were full of what happened and how, with much attention devoted to India's own heroine in space, Kalpana Chawla. From all accounts, Kalpana Chawla had a dream. She wanted to fly, and to explore regions beyond the confines of the earth's atmosphere. But she wasn't just a dreamer. She worked persistently and purposively towards achieving that dream. And she did realise it, not just once, but twice. Becoming an astronaut, or journeying into space is a fantasy that many children cherish. To be among the very few who have seen the wholeness of our planet from that humbling distance does seem to most of us in the realm of the unreal, and the unattainable. While it may not be possible for everyone with that dream to actually fly aboard a spacecraft, many can be associated with a mission in one way or another. After all, even though a shuttle may be "manned" by only seven persons, it takes more than a hundred times that number to make the event happen scientifically, technically and operationally. The science of space is a conglomeration of many sciences. In fact, in today's world, the science and technology of space touches many aspects of our lives, from weather forecasting, to mineral exploration to global communications, and the job of the astronaut represents just one very small part of this huge enterprise. Perhaps it is useful to separate work in space science into two broad areas— work that involves looking down at the earth from space, and work that involves looking outward, attempting to discover something beyond our planet. Most activity in the first area revolves around designing, building, maintaining, and using artificial satellites that circle the globe. These satellites are means of continuously studying the earth and other bodies in the solar system and transmitting messages and pictures. Remote sensing— taking pictures using sound and light probes from and in space— is used in areas as diverse as biology to geophysics to meteorology. Other space scientists look at what is going on in the outer universe to understand questions like the long-term future of our own planet, or to figure out how the earth was formed. Astronomers and astrophysicists attempt to "map" the solar system and to understand the properties of matter in space.
So what are the educational avenues that can take you to a career in space? Obviously, engineers form the foundation of any space programme — from satellite building to rocket design, the breadth of engineering is as wide as the science of space itself, involving electrical and mechanical disciplines and of course aeronautics — the study of flight. So the most logical and common path to a career in space begins with a degree in mechanical, aeronautical or electrical engineering. In India, as elsewhere, most scientists and technicians working in the space sector are engineers. But a significant number also come from other backgrounds, particularly if they are involved in designing or interpreting remote sensing systems and data. A degree in physics can open many doors, particularly with specialisations such as astronomy and meteorology, as also theoretical physics. Training and experience in jet aircraft piloting and maintenance — either commercial or military — is important for those who wish to some day handle a spacecraft. Biologists and medical professionals who have an interest in how the body responds to different atmospheric conditions too have a role to play, as do chemists and mathematicians. All space programmes also draw on the expertise of a small number of social scientists, particularly behavioural scientists, who study (for instance) the psychological impact of journeying into space and the group dynamics of small crews.
Whatever the area of interest or specialisation, however, a post-graduate degree is almost always essential, and scientists would do well to earn a PhD. Almost all of India's space scientists work for large publicly funded organisations such as Indian Space Research Organisation (Bangalore), the Space Applications Centre (Ahmedabad), or the Space Physics Laboratory (Thiruvananthapuram), or a smattering of universities with advanced laboratory facilities. Most of the work in India relates to communication and remote sensing satellites, but Indians have also participated in collaborative space programmes with other countries. The most visible of these is Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian astronaut. Kalpana Chawla, who was a naturalised US citizen, was selected by NASA to be an astronaut in 1994 based on her academic credentials and research track record. She had a degree in aeronautical engineering, a PhD in fluid dynamics, and had done further research in robotics. However, it is also important to recognise that very, very few of those who are engaged with space exploration will actually have the opportunity to go aboard one of those missions. The collaborative programmes at both NASA and Mir (the Russian space station) have very demanding requirements relating to work experience, academic credentials and physical, emotional and mental fitness. It's equally important to realise that most of the work related to space is earth-bound, with the main purpose of gaining knowledge that can help us make life on earth better in some way. As space exploration continues to pick up pace and as man ventures out farther and for longer periods, there will be a demand for people who can apply their imagination, their skills, and their knowledge in a persistent and purposive manner to the dream of unlocking the secrets of space.
USHA RAMAN
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