In a first, 9 Isro staff bodies seek 'written clarity' on private sector shift - The Times of India

**Nine ISRO Staff Bodies Seek Written Clarification on Private‑Sector Shift** *New Delhi, September 6 2026* – In an unprecedented move, nine employee unions and professional associations representing scientists, engineers and support staff at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have jointly submitted a formal letter to ISRO Chairman **S. Somanath**. The missive, dispatched shortly after the successful launch of the **GSLV‑M7** mission, asks the chairman to provide “written clarity” on the government’s accelerating push to involve private companies in activities that have traditionally been the sole domain of the public agency. The staff bodies, which include the Indian Space Scientists’ Forum and the ISRO Engineers’ Union, say the request is driven by uncertainty over job security, project continuity and the future trajectory of India’s space programme.

The unions point to a series of policy announcements over the past two years – the creation of **NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)**, the approval of private launch vehicle firms such as **Skyroot Aerospace** and **AgniKul Cosmos**, and the 2025 Space Policy that explicitly encourages commercial participation – as evidence of a “significant shift” toward privatisation. While the government argues that private‑sector involvement will augment capacity and reduce fiscal pressure on ISRO, the staff collectives contend that the lack of a transparent roadmap risks demoralising the workforce and diluting the agency’s core research mandate. Their letter seeks a detailed written statement covering (1) the extent of private‑sector participation in launch services, satellite manufacturing and ground‑segment operations; (2) the impact on existing ISRO projects and personnel; and (3) a timeline for any structural changes.

The request has elicited mixed reactions. **V. Narayanan**, former ISRO director and current head of the Indian Space Association, told NDTV that “ISRO alone cannot meet the nation’s soaring space aspirations; a vibrant private ecosystem is essential.” He added that the government’s intention is to **complement**, not replace, ISRO’s capabilities, and that clear communication will help align expectations. ISRO’s spokesperson declined to comment on the letter’s specifics but affirmed that the agency remains committed to its core scientific missions while collaborating with industry partners. As the dialogue unfolds, the outcome could shape the balance between public stewardship and commercial innovation in India’s burgeoning space sector.