Thousands of employees of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have sought clarity from the government over the space agency’s future role amid the growing involvement of private companies in India’s space sector.
Nine employee associations representing staff across several ISRO centres have written to ISRO chairman and Department of Space secretary V Narayanan, seeking details of the government’s policy on privatisation and its possible impact on the organisation’s workforce.
The letter, dated September 4 and seen by Hindustan Times, seeks clarity on ISRO’s future responsibilities, the proposed transfer of manufacturing and operational activities to private entities, and the implications for serving employees and future recruitment.
Employees seek clarity on ISRO’s future role
The associations raised concerns following remarks by Pawan Kumar Goenka, chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), that ISRO would eventually stop making launch vehicles, with such work being undertaken by private companies or public sector undertakings.
According to the employee bodies, the transition has already begun with the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and could eventually extend to the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and LVM3.
The associations also referred to reports about transferring routine satellite manufacturing to private players and opening new launch infrastructure, including the Space Launch Complex at Kulasekarapattinam, to private entities.
They noted that around 120 technologies have already been transferred from ISRO to the private sector.
‘No official communication’ on policy, employees say
The employee bodies said public statements about the proposed changes have not been accompanied by a corresponding official communication from the Department of Space explaining the policy to employees.
They have sought clarity on the approved policy, its legal and administrative basis, its implementation timeline and its potential consequences for the existing workforce and future recruitment.
The associations specifically asked whether Goenka’s remarks represented government policy and whether ISRO would continue to be responsible for the design, development, realisation, integration, testing and launch of PSLV, LVM3, SSLV and their successor vehicles.
Employee associations warn of impact on workforce
The associations said the possibility of ISRO withdrawing from launch-vehicle and satellite production has created anxiety among employees and their families.
They warned that such a shift could reduce in-house work, affect sanctioned staff strength and limit promotion and skill-development opportunities across technical, scientific, administrative, quality, safety and other cadres.
They also expressed concern that existing employees could become surplus or be redeployed, while reduced recruitment to Group A, B and C positions could affect career opportunities for young people seeking to join ISRO.
The associations argued that launch-vehicle design, realisation, integration, testing and launch operations constitute core capabilities and institutional expertise that should not be reduced to conventional manufacturing contracts.
Employee bodies say they are not against private participation
The associations clarified that they do not oppose private participation or legitimate commercialisation through NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) within a clearly defined framework.
Their primary concern, they said, is the absence of an official Department of Space policy document clearly distinguishing between enabling private participation and reducing ISRO’s own capabilities.
The employee bodies have therefore sought a formal clarification on the government’s plans and ISRO’s responsibilities as India expands the role of private companies in the space sector.
