BENGALURU, India (Diya TV) — The Indian Space Research Organisation said it will remain India’s primary institution for advanced space research, national missions and strategic programs as the country expands private participation in the space sector.
ISRO issued the statement Sunday on X after an employee association raised concerns about reports that some of the agency’s manufacturing and operational responsibilities could shift to private and state-run companies.
The agency rejected suggestions that the government plans to diminish its role or privatize ISRO.
The statement followed a Sept. 4 letter from some ISRO employees seeking clarification from Chairman V. Narayanan about possible changes to the agency’s responsibilities.
The association said the Department of Space, which oversees ISRO, had not formally communicated plans to transfer additional functions.
India began opening its space sector to greater private participation in 2020. Since then, private companies have taken a larger role in launch vehicle manufacturing, satellite development and commercial space services.
A consortium led by Hindustan Aeronautics and Larsen & Toubro now produces ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. Technology for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle has also been transferred to Hindustan Aeronautics.
ISRO continues to lead India’s major scientific and exploration programs, including lunar and planetary missions and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.
Pawan Goenka, chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center, said ISRO remains central to India’s space sector as private participation expands.
The government’s current approach assigns a larger share of manufacturing and commercial activity to industry while ISRO focuses on research, advanced technology and major national missions.
