An academic research report on Space Tourism in India conducted by students and faculty members of the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun in association with the Institute of Air & Space Law, McGill University, Montreal, Canada was released by Dr Nasim Zaidi, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

1. First Research Report on ‘Space Tourism in India’ released
Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation applauds the milestone
th
March 30 2011, New Delhi, India: An academic research report on Space Tourism in India conducted
by students and faculty members of the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES),
Dehradun in association with the Institute of Air & Space Law, McGill University, Montreal, Canada was
released by Dr Nasim Zaidi, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
Applauding the efforts of UPES on the accomplishment of this Report, Dr Zaidi, Secretary, Ministry of
Civil Aviation expressed his belief that, “In the years to come, this Report, the first ever in the country,
will serve as a basic report for future research reports in the rapidly emerging field of space tourism and
hence a truly momentous occasion for the University”. He also stated that the Report was impressive in
its contents and perspectives on the present and future challenges of this emerging industry.
Speaking on the release of the Research Report, Dr Parag Diwan, Vice Chancellor, UPES said, “This is
the first such Study in India in which a team of Research Assistants and Teachers from the fields of
Management, Law and Aerospace Engineering have collaborated and brought their respective
interdisciplinary perspectives to bear on an emerging area of commercial endeavour. It is hoped that the
Study Report will bring about critical thinking and also serve as a basis for carrying out further research in
this field”.
Space Tourism is one area where India can play a vital role with its affordable yet reliable solution. With
the growth in the economy and the rapidly increasing middle and upper class, it is expected that a new
industry on space tourism will evolve. With this vision, UPES embarked on such a Report that closely
examines the feasibility and viability of space tourism in India.
The University recognises the value of pioneering education and research; it actively encourages and
supports such academic endeavours that are inspired and driven by innovation. This project, one of the
many innovations at UPES, is the first of its kind in India and consists of a Study about the potential of,
and possible operation of, a space tourism industry in India. This Report is a preliminary appraisal of the
technological, infrastructural, financial, marketing, safety, and legal requirements for the establishment of
a space tourism industry in India.
The conclusions of the Study are synthesized into a series of recommendations aimed at instigating
policymakers, stakeholders in the aerospace industry as well as the general public in India to start
thinking critically about the potential role of space tourism in generating employment in, and enhancing
the global credibility of, India as a major space-faring and advanced nation.
About UPES
UPES offers a bouquet of programs that are truly innovative by design and cut across the continuum of
Oil & Gas, Energy, Power, Transportation, Infrastructure and Logistics & Supply Chain Sectors. UPES
under its Centre for Aviation Studies (CAS) is amongst a group of very select institutes in India providing
unique courses in the dynamic field of Aviation as well.

2. Located at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in Dehradun, UPES is Asia’s first Energy and Core
Sector University. Approved by UGC and accredited by NAAC, the University offers 46 domain specific
undergraduate and postgraduate programs imparted by over 250 vastly experienced faculty members.
Having placed more than 3000 students in around 400 top companies, UPES is today at the forefront of
higher education and playing a leadership role in setting new academic benchmarks and creating “future
ready” professionals.
The basket of programs on Aviation offered by UPES include B Tech Aerospace Engineering, a unique
combined course in aeronautical, space science and avionics, B Tech Aerospace Engineering with
specialization in Avionics Engineering designed to specific areas of aerospace and avionics
integrating key concepts and techniques from the field of aeronautics, electronics and instrumentation;
BBA Aviations Operations and MBA Aviation Management catering to the aviation sector and allied
field of travel and tourism. The program has a unique advantage of built - in IATA / UFTAA foundation
course.
For more information on UPES, visit www.upes.ac.in
Corporate Communication
University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES),
Dehradun