NEW DELHI: Amid preparations for key launches like Chandrayaan-2 and mini-PSLV missions in coming months, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to hold the second session of the UNNATI programme in October under which it will train scientists from other countries in assembling, integrating and testing nano satellites. 

As reported by TOI earlier, an ISRO delegation led by its chairman K Sivan, at the Vienna convention of UNISPACE+50 in June last year, first announced the country’s initiative to train scientists of countries that lack the technical know-how and capability to build a satellite.

Fulfilling its commitment made at the Vienna convention, ISRO conducted the first training program for scientists from abroad between January 15 and March 15 this year. 

The first batch benefited 29 participants from 17 countries, including Argentina, Bhutan, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Oman and Portugal. 

The training for the second program will start from October 15 to December 15 at ISRO’s key centre for satellite building, U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), in Bangalore, according to the space agency website. URSC has formulated the basic structure of UNNATI (Unispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training by ISRO) programme, under which the space agency provides hands-on training to assemble, integrate and test a low-cost, modular nano satellite. The programme also provides theoretical course on satellite technology. 

Engineering, science graduates or postgraduates, 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 program. Each participating country is allowed to nominate a team of two members consisting of one mechanical engineer and one electrical or electronics engineer.