ISRO remains a government organisation, says Chairman V Narayanan

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan dismissed concerns over the space agency's privatisation, saying it remains a government organisation while working with private companies and startups. He said India needs around 50 launch vehicles annually as the space ecosystem expands

Bengaluru: ISRO Chairman V Narayanan on Monday said the space agency remains a government organisation and dismissed concerns over its privatisation, saying it is working with private companies and startups to expand India’s space ecosystem.

His reaction came after nine employee associations at ISRO wrote to the chairman on September 4, seeking official clarification on the proposed transfer of its manufacturing and operational functions to private entities.

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Speaking to reporters after the inaugural ceremony of the ninth edition of the Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX) here, Narayanan said India’s space programme is about 64-65 years old and that there are currently 56 space assets in the sky serving the people of the country, but the requirement is much greater.

Recalling that space sector reforms were rolled out six years ago, he said that, under the reforms, “we are supposed to hand-hold the private sector, startup companies, and grow the space ecosystem.”

“In fact, whenever a PSLV or a GSLV is lifting off, almost 80 per cent of the budget is invested in Indian industries. A total of 450 industries are working for us,” he said.

On the concerns raised by the employee associations, Narayanan said, “So, surely, my colleagues, whatever they have, it is a genuine concern. It is our responsibility to clarify.” He stressed that India’s growing space ambitions would require a significant increase in the number of launches.

“The country’s requirement is around 50 launch vehicles per year. We have to go ahead,” Narayanan said.

He clarified that ISRO has not been privatised and remains a government organisation.

“We are working — it’s a government investment, and we are working there. But the only thing is, we now have so many activities. The space ecosystem in the country has to grow and the space economy has to grow,” he said.

Responding to a question about different voices within ISRO raising concerns, Narayanan said, “We will address the employees.”

On the feasibility of targeting 50 launches a year, he recalled that when he joined ISRO 43 years ago, one launch used to take place once every three years.

“So many activities are going on. Probably one or two things are only known outside, but it is our responsibility to put everything on the ISRO side. Fifty launches per year is going to be a reality,” he said, adding that it would be accomplished by Indians in India.