International Conference on Space Sustainability: Science, Technology, Education and Policy STEP2025 & 6th Indian Planetary Science Conference IPSC-2025, Roorkee, India, 04-07 March 2025.
As space based technologies and services have reached the doorstep of a common man and become an integral part of her/his daily life, space education, science, technology and policy are poised to play a key role in supporting and achieving the goals of sustainable societal development in years ahead.
Space Education
Analyzing the impact of space exploration on science education, this theme will focus on innovative pedagogical approaches and outreach programs that inspire and engage students in the realms of astronomy, astrophysics, and space sciences. Imparting awareness of the benefits of space sciences and technologies to the masses calls for massive updation of curriculum across all levels of the educational pyramid. Nonetheless, as demand for skilled human resources for the burgeoning space sector grows exponentially, there is a vehement need of restructuring the higher education ecosystem. Discussions will also explore the integration of space-related content into formal and informal educational settings.
Space Policy
Delving into the intersection of space policies and sustainable societal development, this theme aims to examine the regulatory frameworks and international collaborations that govern space activities. Attention will be given to policies fostering equitable access to space resources, environmental sustainability, and the ethical considerations surrounding space exploration.
Space Technology Advancements
Exploring the cutting-edge technologies that drive advancements in space exploration, this theme will highlight the role of technological innovation and scientific breakthroughs in addressing societal challenges. As space based technologies and services have reached the doorstep of a common man and become an integral part of her/his daily life, it will also bring out R&D leading to cost effectiveness in launch vehicle, satellite and space applications related technologies. Discussions will cover the development of sustainable space technologies, satellite applications for societal benefit, and the integration of space-based solutions into everyday life.
Planetary Science and Exploration
Planetary science encompasses the vast domain of the celestial bodies within our solar system and beyond, inspiring us to unravel the mysteries of the far worlds. Through the painstaking observation, data analyses, modelling, simulations and technological advancements, scientists delve into the realm of complex planetary compositions, atmospheres, and geological evolution. Explorations started from our home planet to the distant worlds of the Sun and the icy planets, whether through satellites, robotic missions or telescopic observations, offer a deeper understanding of our cosmic neighborhood. The sun, planets, moon, asteroid, and comets hold unique characteristics in terms of their geological and atmospheric/ionospheric-magnetospheric evolution over time. From the dense atmosphere of Venus to the tenuous atmosphere of Mars, and the swirling storms of Jupiter & mysterious Saturn ring, from the icy plains of Pluto to the objects of the Kuiper belt, each destination presents its own set of scientific challenges for explorations. By studying these unknown worlds, we not only deepen our understanding of the universe but also unearth clues about the creation of our solar system, the resources, space colony, and potential for life beyond Earth. Future planetary science and explorations missions such as Chanderyaan-4, Artemis program, ESCAPADE, Shukrayaan-1, MOM-2, Psyche, Europa clipper, and many more will be instrumental in human curiosity, and serving as a guiding light to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge to understand the infinite creation around us.
For more detailed information and to register, please visit the conference website at https://step2025.iitr.ac.in/

Space Education
Shaping of Space education for emerging societal and techno-economic scenario.
Integration of Space-related content into formal and informal educational settings
Role of early Space education programme for students.
Innovative pedagogical approaches and outreach programs to inspire and engage students in the realms of Space exploration.
Creation of Space-related educational resources and infrastructure.
Challenges in curriculum design to teach Space topics in primary school.
Space Policy
Major challenges related to regulation and commercialization of the Space sector.
Managing increasing Space related global trust deficit.
Defending India’s Space assets.
Space awareness programmes at the rural level in India.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Space sector.
Space policy addressing to opportunities and challenges ahead.
New mode of cooperation for future Space development.
Exploration and utilization of outer Space resources.
Building outer Space community with a shared future
Space Technology Advancements
Challenges and opportunities in the field of Cybersecurity for Space.
Current trends in space sciences for sustainable ecosystem.
Contours of latest global research in Space sciences.
Directions of future Space transportation.
New trends in satellite technology.
Emerging technologies and automation in Space mission design and operation.
Developments leading to cost effectiveness in launch vehicle and satellite related technologies.
Technological breakthroughs in Space power system.
Advances in uses of Space technology for societal applications.
Technological intervention for cleaner Space : Monitoring and mitigation of Space debris.
In-situ extra terrestrial processing on moon and beyond.
Developments and prospects in deep Space exploration
Geotechnical Engineering
Planetary Science and Exploration
Planetary Atmospheres, Ionospheres and Magnetospheres
Planetary Surfaces and Interiors
Space Weather and Solar Wind Interaction with Planetary Bodies
Space Instrumentation and new technologies for space missions
Planetary Materials and Analogues
Planetary Satellites, Small bodies and Exoplanets
Astrochemistry and Astrobiology
Organized by
Centre for Space Science and Technology (CSST)
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
In association with
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center (IN-SPACe)
Astronautical Society of India (ASI)
Indian Planetary Science Association (IPSA)
International Academy of Astronautics (IAA)
.