To foster gender diversity in the space sector, Skyroot Aerospace has unveiled the Kalpana Fellowship, India’s inaugural program dedicated exclusively to empowering women engineers in space technology.Named in honour of the late astronaut Kalpana Chawla, renowned for her trailblazing contributions to space exploration, the Kalpana Fellowship is envisioned to cultivate the next generation of female talent in the space industry.
Empowering Women in Space Technology
The primary objective of the fellowship is to provide a robust platform for women to actively engage in advanced space technology projects, fostering innovation, creativity, and leadership among aspiring female space professionals.
Pawan Chandana, Co-Founder and CEO of Skyroot, underscored the importance of gender diversity in STEM fields, stating, “Women can bring more innovation, creativity, and impact. The Kalpana Fellowship is our commitment to providing exciting opportunities for women engineers to work on cutting-edge space projects, receive mentorship from top experts, and gain access to world-class infrastructure at Skyroot.”
Comprehensive Program and Opportunities
The Kalpana Fellowship offers a comprehensive program, including a monthly stipend, experiential learning opportunities, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and access to Skyroot Aerospace’s cutting-edge infrastructure and technologies.
Open to final year students and recent graduates in relevant engineering disciplines, the fellowship aims to kickstart careers in space technology for talented women engineers. Registration for the 2024 fellowship is currently open, with the inaugural batch scheduled to commence in July 2024.
Bharath Daka, Co-Founder and COO of Skyroot, elaborated on the company’s vision, stating, “With exciting missions on the horizon and our relentless pursuit of disruptive technologies, the Kalpana Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for talented space engineers to contribute to transformative advancements.”
Pathway to Professional Growth
Successful candidates who complete the one-year fellowship will have the opportunity to transition into full-time roles at Skyroot Aerospace, joining a dynamic team of 300 space professionals dedicated to developing cutting-edge space launch vehicles.
The selection process for the fellowship involves a rigorous three-stage assessment designed to evaluate the mental and academic competencies essential for achieving the fellowship’s objectives.
Through the Kalpana Fellowship, Skyroot Aerospace aims to create a more inclusive and diverse space industry, harnessing the untapped potential of women engineers to drive innovation and shape the future of space exploration.
