The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is Asia's first dedicated space university, established in 2007 by the Department of Space, Government of India. IIST integrates academic learning with research in aerospace engineering, avionics, earth and space sciences, propulsion, and satellite applications, supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and collaboration with ISRO. Beyond technical training, IIST engages with space policy, governance, and societal impact, fostering dialogue on ethics and public benefit in space exploration. Through undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes, IIST builds talent for India's space missions and strengthens the nation's self-reliance.