In an era marked by profound global challenges, the intersection of space exploration, science education, policy formulation, and technological innovation stands as a beacon of hope for sustainable societal development. The conference on “Space for Sustainability: Science, Technology, Education and Policy" (S2: STEP2025) is conceived as a platform to illuminate the transformative potential of space-related endeavors in shaping a resilient and equitable future.
S2: STEP2025 seeks to explore the pivotal role of space-related initiatives in fostering sustainable societal development. This interdisciplinary conference aims to bring together experts, researchers, policymakers, and educators to deliberate on the symbiotic relationship between space exploration, science education, policy formulation, and technological innovation.
6th Indian Planetary Science Conference (IPSC-2025) is also being held concurrently. The scope of IPSC-2025 includes the recent advances, results and studies related to the atmosphere, surface and interior of planetary bodies in the solar system, including planetary processes and early solar system evolution.
❖ Building of space education ecosystem for emerging opportunities and challenges of rapidly expanding space sector and disseminating awareness of all-pervasive benefits of space based technologies and services among masses
❖ Deliberation on latest advances in space sciences for societal applications
❖ Appraisal of new technological developments in launch vehicle, satellite and related areas for bringing about cost-effectiveness in space based services and infrastructure
❖ Evolving leads for space policy at national and international levels
❖ Explorations of Planets, Moons and Asteroids for future habitability and resource utilization
The Centre for Space Sciences and Technology (CSST) at IIT Roorkee was founded with the goal of making the institute well-known in the field of space science and technology by carrying out cutting-edge research with specific objectives in the development of systems, mechanisms, and proof-of-concept designs pertaining to space technology. By promoting academic advancement, training, development of human resources, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the field of space science and technology, the Centre will play a vital role of shaping the revolutionary technological landscape of the nation.
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) is the oldest technical institute of the Indian subcontinent. It was established in 1847. Recognizing its yeoman contribution for the development of the country for over 100 years, this temple of learning was elevated to the status of a University, the first technical university in India in 1949. The University of Roorkee was converted to IIT Roorkee by the Government of India on September 21, 2001, thereby further elevating it to an institute of national importance. Over the years it has built up and maintained an excellent academic reputation. Roorkee is considered to be the gateway to pilgrimage and places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, etc. Roorkee is well connected by roads and located 180 km north of Delhi.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of India. The organisation is involved in science, engineering and technology to harvest the benefits of outer space for India and mankind. ISRO is a major constituent of the Department of Space (DOS), Government of India. The department executes the Indian Space Programme primarily through various Centres or units within ISRO. ISRO has its headquarters in Bengaluru. Alongside its technological advancement, ISRO contributes to science and science education in the country. Various dedicated research centres and autonomous institutions for remote sensing, astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheric sciences and space sciences in general function under the aegis of Department of Space. ISRO’s own Lunar and interplanetary missions along with other scientific projects encourage and promote science education, apart from providing valuable data to the scientific community which in turn enriches science.
Established as a single window agency for all space sector activities of private entities, IN-SPACe plays an important role in boosting the private space sector economy in India.
IN-SPACe, is responsible to promote, enable authorize and supervise various space activities of the Non Government Agencies (NGEs) that include, among others, the building of launch vehicles & satellites and providing space-based services; sharing of space infrastructure and premises under the control of DOS/ISRO; and establishment of new space infrastructure and facilities.
The Astronautical Society of India (ASI) was set up in 1990 to foster the development of astronautics in the country. Based in Bengaluru, ASI is engaged in the dissemination of technical and other information related to astronautics by conducting technical meetings, bringing out technical publications and organising exhibitions. The society is also playing an active role to promote the interests of other developing countries in the field of astronautics through the International Astronautical Federation, Paris, in which the ASI is a voting member.
Indian Planetary Science Association (IPSA) was formed to promote Planetary Science and related branches of science in India. IPSA has been officially launched on March 22, 2023, in Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, India. The association aims to encourage the study of all aspects of Planetary Science and facilitates advancing, disseminating, and applying knowledge in this field. It also promotes active interaction among individuals, educational and research institutions, and industries interested in Planetary Science and issues publications such as bulletins, journals, and newsletters to disseminate information.
The International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) was founded in Stockholm on August 16, 1960. The Academy’s beginning was led by Dr. Theodore von Karman, one of the most important figures in the evolution of rocketry, and the IAA’s first president.
The IAA is an independent non-governmental organization recognized by the United Nations in 1996. IAA members are from all over the world, i.e., approximately from 83 countries.
Since 1960, the IAA has brought together the world’s foremost experts in the disciplines of astronautics on a regular basis.
Based in the charming land of Uttarakhand in the northern part of India, Roorkee is located on the foothills of the Majestic Himalayas. It is spread over a flat terrain under Sivalik Hills of Himalayas. The city is developed on the banks of Ganges Canal, its dominant feature, which flows from north–south through middle of the city. Roorkee is home to Asia's first engineering college Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, formerly known as Thomson College of Civil Engineering. Roorkee has also been the main location of the Bengal Engineer Group or popularly called as Bengal Sappers, the country’s oldest cantonment.
Roorkee is only at a distance of only 175 kms from the national capital Delhi and remains well connected through all major mediums of transport. Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport to Roorkee at a distance of 71 kms. Regular flights to Delhi airport can be fetched from here which connects almost all international and domestic locations. Similarly, Railways connects Roorkee with a number of major cities in the country. Being in the vicinity of important National Highways, Roorkee can be reached easily by road.