ISRO rejects privatization claims, affirms leadership in India’s space sector

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has dismissed media reports suggesting the agency will be privatized or have its role diminished following recent space sector reforms. In a statement, ISRO clarified that it will remain the central institution leading India’s space program, including strategic missions, human spaceflight, and the development of an Indian space station.

Dr. V. Narayanan noted that ISRO alone cannot meet the country’s growing space needs, emphasizing that the involvement of the private sector is intended to expand the space ecosystem rather than reduce ISRO’s importance. The goal of the Indian Space Policy 2023 is to build a globally competitive ecosystem by allowing industries, startups, and academic institutions to participate in the value chain.

ISRO stated that transferring mature technologies to industries facilitates large-scale production and commercialization, allowing agency scientists to focus on next-generation technologies and complex national missions, such as lunar and planetary exploration.