Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:22pm on 06 Sep 2026,Sunday Science
For the first time since India began opening its space sector to private industry six years ago, nine employee bodies representing thousands of ISRO staff have sought written clarification on the transition. In a September 4 representation, they said private participation in defined commercial activities can coexist with a strong, publicly owned ISRO, but opposed reducing it to a residual R&D role while launch-vehicle production and infrastructure operations move to private hands. They called ISRO-developed technology a national asset and demanded transparent, accountable transfers. The unions also questioned whether IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Goenka’s reported statement that ISRO may eventually stop manufacturing launch vehicles reflects an approved government policy. They also sought clarity on ISRO’s future role and PSU participation. (PC: Inspired Pencil)
