ISRO Staff Bodies Seek Written Clarity on Private Sector Role in Space Programme
Nine employee associations representing staff across ISRO centres have formally sought written clarification from the Department of Space over the agency's future role as private participation expands in India's space sector. The associations have raised questions about launch vehicle production, technology transfers, the role of public sector units and the future of employment at ISRO.
Nine employee bodies representing thousands of workers across the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have sought written clarification from the Department of Space (DoS) over the organisation's future role as India increases private participation in the space sector.
The joint representation, dated September 4, was submitted to the Secretary of the Department of Space, who also serves as chairman of the Space Commission and ISRO. The employee associations said private participation in commercial activities could coexist with a strong publicly owned ISRO, but sought greater clarity on any policy that could shift core launch vehicle and infrastructure activities outside the organisation.
The representation comes six years after India began opening its space sector to private industry.
ISRO employees question future of launch vehicle production
One of the key concerns raised by the employee bodies relates to reports that ISRO could eventually stop manufacturing launch vehicles.
The associations have asked whether comments attributed to IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Goenka about ISRO eventually not manufacturing launch vehicles represent an approved decision of the Government of India, the Department of Space or the Space Commission.
They have also sought details on whether the design, development, integration, testing and launch of vehicles including PSLV, LVM3 and SSLV will remain within ISRO's mandate.
The groups have specifically questioned whether public sector undertakings will be excluded from any proposed transfer of PSLV and LVM3 production to private companies and, if so, what the justification would be.
Employee bodies raise concerns over technology transfers
The associations described ISRO-developed technology as a national asset and called for transparency and accountability in its transfer or use by private entities.
They have asked for details of the institutional framework under which publicly funded technology, test facilities, launch complexes and technical know-how could be transferred or made available for private operations.
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