ISRO (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday clarified that the space agency will neither be privatised nor will its importance be reduced. In a post on X, ISRO said private sector participation will help it focus on the next generation of India’s space programme, while industries develop and scale mature technologies.
The statement came after nine employee associations of ISRO wrote to Chairman V Narayanan on September 4, seeking clarity over the proposed transfer of certain manufacturing and operational functions to private entities.
The associations were referring to remarks made by Pawan Goenka, Chairperson of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), on August 21.
ISRO said its role will progressively become stronger in areas where its scientific expertise is most critical. These include frontier research and development, advanced technologies, human spaceflight, next-generation launch systems, deep-space missions, planetary exploration and strategic national capabilities.
The space agency added that it will continue working on cutting-edge technologies, including advanced payloads for communication, navigation and Earth observation, sensors, propulsion systems and other critical space technologies.
