Internship Experience: SAC, ISRO

Application Process

At the Space Application Centre, ISRO, Ahmedabad, the offered internship length is a minimum of three months. However, as the time I had was below that (from mid-May to July), I wasn’t sure whether I would get a call from them or not. However, a month after I applied, I received an email regarding the division I was allotted to, and they arranged an interview, too, because they had some ongoing projects and wanted to know if I would be able to help conclude R&D of any ongoing projects in the small time that I had.

Interview Process

Regarding interviews, it totally depends on the division you’re allotted to - whether you’ll have to face an interview or not. Most of the time, candidates get an offer letter directly based on their project proposal and resume. During my interview, I discussed my project proposal which I hoped to conclude at ISRO. I also discussed various mechanical engineering related softwares, as my project was confined to the mechanism field of mechanical engineering.

Internship Work

One of the most important projects I had worked on was during this internship. I was involved in the research, design and development of a new antenna mechanism. This project proved to be crucial not only because of its technical complexity but also because it directly contributed to current advancements in space technology.

For this project, I utilised software tools like NX and Adams for parameterised modelling, and conducting kinematic and dynamic simulations to ensure the antenna's functionality in space. Additionally, I performed modal analysis using Ansys to assess failure risks for the stowed antenna during launch. This rigorous analysis was essential to ensure the reliability and safety of the antenna in harsh launch conditions.

One of the highlights of my work was modelling and testing the HDRM (High-Density Reconfigurable Mechanism) for antenna deployment in space, which required innovative thinking and collaboration across teams. I also applied AI/ML techniques to predict the antenna’s aperture diameter, integrating advanced analytics into the design process.

This experience was significant for me because it allowed me to combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, contributing to a mission with profound implications for space exploration. Even more, I was one of two people in India assisting 2 ISRO scientists to complete its mechanical research and product development.

Financial Aspects

Regarding other facets of this internship, it is slightly sad to share that ISRO doesn’t provide accommodation for interns. There is no stipend or PPO offered as well. However, all in-campus services are mostly free or provided at a very subsidised rate. Doing good quality work will help you make some great contacts with scientists of the nation, which may help you get off-campus placements through their referrals.

Experience and Advice

One of the fun and interesting incidents that occurred during this experience was when I gave a presentation on the involvement of AI/ML which was a new initiative that I had brought forth to the division. Also, as my guiding scientist was very happy with me, I received a farewell from him on my second last day.

A bit of personal advice:

• If you’re planning to pursue an internship there, don’t go just for the sake of formality, because many people go there for ISRO’s certificate. ISRO will give you as much opportunity as you wish for but it depends on your determination to work there.


• If you are determined to do some great product development, then you can do it in a less amount of time, too.


• Yeah, it’s sad that they don’t pay you, but if you do some good product development, it will help you in the long run.


• If you are a local of Ahmedabad or have some relatives there, you can save up on accommodation money.