Studying Spacecraft Engineering in Russia: One Student’s Experience
More and more international students are flocking to Russia for their studies, and one particularly popular course is space science, thanks to Russia’s reputation as one of the leading space powers in the world.
One institution offering such courses is Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI), which includes an English-taught Spacecraft Engineering degree, aimed at students from around the world. Many international students come to MAI, and Praveen Sankaran was among therm.
Born in Gundur, India, Praveen studied a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering at Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College in Coimbatore, India before commencing his master’s in spacecraft engineering at MAI. This course took him two years to complete, and he researched the ‘in-orbit servicing of satellites’.
We spoke to Praveen to find out more about his experience of studying spacecraft engineering and studying abroad in Russia.
Hi Praveen! Why did you decide to study mechanical engineering for your bachelor’s degree?
My grandfather was a graduate of physical science and was the headmaster of his town’s school. Physics has always been easy for me, and was my favorite subject at school. I’ve always thought that my path is to become an engineer. When I was in 11th grade I decided to study abroad, but my father recommended that I complete a bachelor’s program in India and then do a master’s program abroad. I took his advice. My bachelor’s degree was dedicated to general engineering, but I decided that master’s study should serve my dream.
When did you realize that you would like to study space?
Space has always been my great interest. I think maybe it comes from my childhood. I was really inspired by Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, a former president of India and prominent scientist, who is often nicknamed the ‘Missile Man’ of India. I was also inspired by Rakesh Sharma, first Indian cosmonaut, who flew aboard Soyuz T-11, launched on April 2nd 1984.
Why did you choose Russia and Moscow Aviation Institute to continue your studies?
After graduating from my bachelor’s degree in India, it was my dad who persuaded me to consider Russia for my further education. I traveled to Russia with my father and visited some Russian polytechnic universities which offered Spacecraft Engineering in English. Among all of them I chose Moscow Aviation Institute for the next stage of my education because of its diversity and the courses it offered in the sphere of my interest. I made my choice quite consciously, as I’d visited a lot of universities before making my choice, but I knew that MAI was the place for me. I was also really attracted to studying in Moscow as Moscow and Russia are like a bridge between Europe and Asia. Moscow is a large European metropolis, which I like very much. I feel very comfortable here, and to my surprise, it was very easy for me to endure the Russian winter.
How did you find studying at MAI? What was the core of your research at MAI?
The core of my research was the structure of satellites and systems engineering in spacecraft. Some time ago I passed all my final exams, presented my research paper dedicated to “In-orbit servicing of satellites”. During my studies at MAI, I had creative freedom, good grades and an opportunity to undertake in-depth study of my research subject with the help of my scientific supervisor, Valery Panasenkov, whom I respect and admire the most. MAI has given me deep knowledge in the field of spacecraft engineering, improved my knowledge of physics and allowed me to meet highly qualified specialists in the field and to make good friends. I got a chance to use the great experience of the Soviet and contemporary Russian space program, and have never regretted my choice!
What was the most interesting part of your studies?
The most exciting and interesting part of study for me was the work I did in MAI’s space laboratories. There you could examine space vehicles and set up experiments. The form of higher education in Russia differs from the educational system in India. In India, you have a clear schedule - classes begin at 9am and end at 4pm. You have a strict curriculum, and if you forget something at the exam, you will receive a bad grade. The education system is heavily quantitative. But here at MAI I got to choose the exam dates, and if I felt that I was not ready for the exam, I could ask the professor for extension. My favorite seminar was “Management in Spacecraft Engineering”, where you could see the whole production process and run and manage it. All classes were in the morning, which meant I could get a part-time job. And of course I met a lot of friends here!
What did you do in your extracurricular time?
I tried to take on challenges! Last year I skydived from a height of 4,000 meters, and in May 2018 led a group of international students at the XXII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), an annual Russian business event. I presented a report on “The Role of Green Economy in the Integration of Greater Eurasia” – a joint research paper from my team. When I was studying my bachelor’s degree in India I took an active part in international youth forums and was so successful that the organizer started to invite me to give speeches at the greatest international events. After SPIEF 2018, the Russian Engineering Union invited me to participate in the Seventh International Youth Industrial Forum "Engineers of the Future 2018" in the Ulyanovsk Region.
What are your hobbies?
When I come to India, I usually play cricket with my friends. Here in Moscow, I love reading scientific articles and books. I love silence and because of it I get up very early at the morning and practice yoga. I’m also passionate about cooking. I really enjoy it. My favorite dish is rasam (a kind of tamarind soup, popular in south India) mixed with rice and potato fries, made in Indian style.
What do you plan to do in the future?
I plan to work for a couple of years, gain work experience, and learn Russian. I might also study for a PhD at MAI. My main dream is to become a scientist and share my experience with the younger generation.
What would you say to prospective students who’d also like to study abroad?
It’s very important to be open-minded and take an interest in everything around you. You should be motivated and have a goal to pursue. If there is no opportunity, try to create one. If a door is closed, knock or bang it open. There is no use in crying that the door is locked. When I had a problem, the International Department of MAI always helped me, the staff were very friendly and treat every international student with understanding, like a member of the family. Don't be afraid to catch your dream!
Ever thought about studying spacecraft engineering in Russia? Read an interview with one graduate who studied just that!
