The Department of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Engineering (DAASE) at IIT Indore commenced its journey in December 2015 as the Centre for Astronomy with the initiation of a Ph.D. program in Astronomy. In May 2018, the Centre transitioned into a full-fledged department by introducing its flagship M.Sc. program in Astronomy, making DAASE the first and only IIT department to offer an M.Sc. in this field. In 2021, DAASE expanded its academic offerings with the M.Tech. in Space Engineering and the M.S. (Research) in Space Science and Engineering. In 2022, the department further broadened its educational scope by launching the flagship B.Tech. program in Space Science and Engineering, a pioneering initiative within the IIT system. DAASE also offers a Minor in Astronomy and Space Science for undergraduate students at IIT Indore and received DST-FIST funding in 2022 in recognition of its research excellence.

DAASE’s teaching and research activities concentrate on four core domains: Astronomy & Astrophysics, Space Science and Instrumentation, Remote Sensing and Atmospheric Physics, and Data Science and Data-Driven Techniques. Our bachelor’s and master’s curricula integrate these domains, providing students with rigorous theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to promote both academic achievement and innovation.

As the only dedicated department of its kind among all IITs, DAASE provides a specialized platform for advanced research and education in astronomy, astrophysics, remote sensing, and space sciences. Faculty members pursue research across a broad spectrum —from Earth observations to black holes and neutron stars; from galaxies and interstellar medium to solar physics; from drone and cubesat technologies to radio astronomical instrumentation; from early universe and observational cosmology to atmospheric and ionospheric modeling; and from computational and high-energy astrophysics to climate modelling. Advanced numerical modelling and statistical inference unite these diverse research areas and drive scientific innovation.

DAASE supports research and learning with state-of-the-art laboratories: the Radio Frequency (RF) Lab, Optics Lab, IoT Lab, Remote Sensing Lab, Plasma Lab, and the IITI Radio Interferometer Observatory. These cutting-edge facilities facilitate experimental and applied research, including RF system testing up to 60 GHz, Helmholtz cages, precision optics, satellite receiving stations, PCB fabrication tools, IoT devices, drones, hyperspectral and multispectral cameras, and more. Since 2022, the department has participated in the Indian research contingent to the Arctic, maintaining advanced facilities at the Indian Research Station Himadri for atmospheric and space science investigations.

A founding member of the Square Kilometre Array – India Consortium (SKA-IC) since 2015, DAASE plays an important role in global astronomical collaboration. Faculty and researchers contribute to major ISRO and NASA missions and engage in active partnerships with leading universities and institutes worldwide. National and international agencies, including MoE, UGC, ANRF/SERB, DST, MoES, CSIR, SPARC, DAE, ISRO, Max Planck Partner Group, and ASEM-DUO, provide critical support for our pursuit of research excellence that advances both science and society.

Though a relatively young department, DAASE already boasts an accomplished alumni network, with former Master’s and Ph.D. students holding research and professional positions across prestigious universities, research institutes, and industries in India and abroad.

Beyond academics and research, DAASE demonstrates a strong commitment to outreach, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists. Faculty and students actively collaborate with local schools and colleges, organize sky-watching sessions, stargazing events, space quizzes, hackathons, and celebrate significant celestial occurrences. DAASE faculty and students also represent the department as core members of various professional organizations, including GRSS-IEEE, APS-IEEE, ASI, and IAU.