The Indian Space Research Organisation inaugurated the fourth edition of Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START-2026) on March 11, 2026. The 2026 edition focuses on the theme “Observation from Space” and uses orbital platforms to study Earth, the solar system and beyond.

According to ISRO, the course includes 26 lectures delivered by pan-India experts, including scientists and engineers from ISRO and the Department of Space. The lectures were scheduled to conclude on April 2, 2026, followed by an online examination for participants registered with nodal centres.

The current edition involves academic institutes acting as nodal centres across India, where students participate in group learning and may become eligible for merit certificates based on performance. ISRO states that START is meant to attract post-graduate and final-year undergraduate students of physical sciences and technology to the space sector.

ISRO also stated that the START programme began in 2023 and has benefited over 1.2 lakh students, faculty members and space enthusiasts. The event page links the effort with the National Education Policy’s holistic perspective of knowledge.