India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is not moving towards privatisation, ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan has clarified. Amid growing participation of private companies in India’s space sector, he assured that steps would be taken to address concerns among ISRO employees. Narayanan made these remarks while speaking at the Bengaluru Space Expo.
Space Sector Reforms Began Six Years Ago
Narayanan said that reforms in the space sector were initiated around six years ago. The primary objective of these reforms, he explained, is to provide proper guidance to the private sector and expand India’s overall space ecosystem.
He pointed out that private-sector participation in the space industry is not a new development. Hundreds of Indian companies are already working with ISRO in various areas, including rocket manufacturing and other space-related activities.
80% of ISRO’s Budget Investments Come from Indian Industry
Narayanan said it should not be assumed that ISRO alone carries out all activities during PSLV and GSLV launches. A significant portion of the work is already supported by Indian industries.
According to him, around 80 per cent of ISRO’s budget investments are linked to investments from Indian industries. At present, nearly 450 industries are working with ISRO, he said.
India May Need 50 Launch Vehicles Every Year
The ISRO Chairman said India is expected to require around 50 launch vehicles every year. Meeting such a large demand for rockets, he explained, will require not only ISRO but also a strong industrial ecosystem capable of supporting large-scale space activities.
He stressed that expanding private-sector participation is necessary to build the capacity required for India’s growing space ambitions.
Private Participation Will Not Reduce ISRO’s Role
Narayanan said around 20,000 employees are currently working at ISRO. He assured that measures would be taken to address the concerns and apprehensions among employees regarding the increasing role of private companies.
He also made it clear that greater private-sector participation would not diminish ISRO’s role. Instead, the reforms are aimed at strengthening India’s space ecosystem while enabling ISRO to focus on its core responsibilities and more advanced space missions.
