The Indian space programme has a strong interaction with the academic institutions in the country through its sponsored Research Programme (RESPOND).
Under this, research, development and educational activities relevant to space are jointly carried out.
Respond has helped in developing a large industrial base at the academic institutions and in generation of a strong manpower base besides building infrastructure facilities and nurturing indigenous capability to support the space research.
The major activities identified under the RESPOND programme are research and development in space science, space applications, space technology areas, establishment of Space Technology Cells at premier institutions, support to educational programmes, conferences, seminars, symposia, workshops, publication activities etc. In many institutions such as universities, IITs, national laboratories, public sector industries have been supported so for under the RESPOND programme.