Directorate of Chapter Affairs
Students for Exploration and Development of Space
India Chapter Starter Kit
Introduction
What is SEDS?
SEDS is an independent, student-based organization which promotes the exploration and
development of space. SEDS pursues this mission by educating people about the benefits of space,
by supporting a network of interested students, by providing an opportunity for members to
develop their leadership skills, and by inspiring people through our involvement in space-related
projects. SEDS believes in a space-faring civilization, and that focusing the enthusiasm of young
people is the key to our future in space.
Space Exploration and India!
India is ramping up her space capabilities in an effort to be seen as a major global space power. She
is moving beyond her traditional missions of developing communications and remote sensing
satellites to focus on new areas, like navigation. She is also working on her first mission to the
Moon and has indicated her interest in undertaking manned missions in the future.
India’s space program is branching out into new fields, including deep space exploration and
space science. Its R&D facilities have been pioneers in development of indigenous capabilities in
almost every sphere of satellite and launch vehicle development. Apart from being accredited with
being the curators of vast amounts of astronomical know-how from pre-historic times, India has
always understood the importance of Space Exploration and its incomprehensible benefits for
mankind. As she sees the dawn of a new era of a developed and dynamic nation, India is ready to
spread its wings far and wide and conquer this final frontier called SPACE!
SEDS for Indian Students
SEDS members are people interested in doing as much as they can to promote space exploration
and development. The first step in this continual process is learning. SEDS provides an excellent
environment in which to obtain access to many sources of information including speakers, tours,
films, discussion groups & daily updates. Astronomical observing trips and tours of local space
facilities also play a significant role in the life of many SEDS members.
SEDS members often take the knowledge they have gained and use it to influence the future of the
space program. Students at several chapters have played major roles in organizing large
conferences and have established important contacts with members of the space community.
Others have helped increase public awareness of the benefits of space exploration by offering
presentations to local primary and secondary schools as well as universities. All chapters keep in
contact with each other through on-line computer networks.
SEDS can provide an organized pathway for you to begin space related projects and give you a
chance to break away from just the usual class-work. You can also use SEDS as a stepping stone to
a space-related career. Being actively involved in SEDS can put you in touch with many members
of the space, technology, and education community and will allow you to develop the experience
necessary to take leadership roles in your future career, whatever that may be.
Directorate of Chapter Affairs
About SEDS India
SEDS in India was started in 2004 by Mr. Pradeep Mohandas, an undergrad engineering student
and an all time space lover and by Mr. Abhishek Ray. The first chapter sprang up in
Mumbai at PIIT, New Panvel and had 5 members, a humble beginning for this now vibrant
community of amateur Space Explorers, hobbyists and enthusiasts.
The SEDS India conglomerate now has chapters at: VIT University, Vellore
 JNTU, Hyderabad
 Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
 NIT, Surathkal
SEDS India is proud to be associated with: S.P.A.C.E.
 Astronautical Society of India - Student's Chapter
 Planetary Society, India
With the strength of more than 400 space enthusiasts, SEDS India is dedicated in making Space
Exploration and India’s role in it popular amongst the student community in India and projecting
the Space Industry in India as a viable future career prospect.
How to Apply
Interested in starting a SEDS Chapter at your university/college/school campus?
Passionate about Space Exploration?
Think its time people recognize/take part into your projects/interests?
SEDS India would be glad to help you achieve the same…..
Self Check:
 You must have an interest in Space Exploration and allied fields (such as Aerospace
Engineering, Astronomy, Planetary Study, Satellite Communication, Aerospace Medicine
etc.)
 You must be over 15 years of age on the date of application.
 You must be a student within the territory of India.
If you qualify the above criteria, you can download the Chapter Starter Application Form
Please read The Model section for understanding the homogeneous Chapter Council structure
required to start a chapter.
Directorate of Chapter Affairs
The Model
This section describes the posts and responsibilities of the Chapter Executive Council.
Each Chapter of SEDS must have the following posts occupied individually by chapter members
for a periodic term:-
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President : The President shall be in administrative charge of the Chapter, its properties and
affairs. The President shall preside over the Executive Council meetings and have the power
to control the conduct of the meetings. In case of a tie, he shall have a deciding vote. He
shall approve the minutes.
Vice President : In the absence of the President, the Vice President will chair the Executive
Council meeting and attend to his functions. He/She along with the President would be
answerable and responsible for the proper functioning of the Chapter.
Secretary: The Secretary shall be responsible for convening of all meetings, preparation of
agenda and minutes for approval by the President. He/She shall be responsible for attending
to the day-to-day work of the Chapter. He/She shall deal with all correspondence connected
with the Chapter. He/She shall work under the controlling authority of the Chapter
President.
Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for the general conduct of finances of the
Chapter. The Treasurer shall receive all the funds of the Chapter and shall deposit the same
to the account of the Chapter. He/She shall also draw money from the account, if necessary,
with the authorization of the President and the Executive Council. He/She shall maintain
proper account of all receipts and payments made on behalf of the chapter. He/She shall
arrange for the accounts to be audited prior to its submission to the Annual General Body
Meeting.
The chapter must also have a Staff Coordinator preferably from the host institution, to provide
guidance to the students and help maintain the functioning of the chapter. The Chapter Executive
Council can have more members apart from the above mentioned compulsory set depending upon
the nature of responsibilities being shared by the Council.
The activities of the Chapter and its working towards student-projects must be approved by the
host institution or the concerned department.
Directorate of Chapter Affairs
Communication
The Directorate of Chapter Affairs is responsible for ensuring coordination and communication
between the various Chapters of SEDS India. To ensure smooth working of your chapter in tune
with the SEDS India’s organizational objectives and future goals, each Chapter shall communicate
with the Directorate and be responsible for the following: Registering the Chapter with the Directorate of Chapter Affairs, SEDS India to be
recognized as a Member Chapter of SEDS India.
 Submitting the Quarterly Chapter Activity Report.
 Presenting the Chapter’s Achievements/Activities at the Annual General body Meeting
 Receiving and Distributing Recognition Certificates, Awards etc. from SEDS India.
The Directorate of Chapter Affairs would provide all help, support and guidance for the new
Chapters with suggestions on activities the Chapter can undertake, sharing experiences of
successful activities and events conducted by other chapters across the country/in the region and
providing useful contacts for arranging events, forwarding projects etc. that SEDS India has
developed.
The Directorate would maintain regular contact with all the Chapters and would synchronize their
working towards the common objectives of SEDS India
For further queries:
Write to:The Director, Chapter Affairs,
SEDS India
Chapter Headquarters: SEDS VIT
c/o Dr. Geetha Manivasagam,
Room No. 401, CDMM Building,
VIT University, Vellore-632014
Tamil Nadu.
Email: sedsindia@gmail.com, seds@vit.ac.in