ISRO Associations Seek Privatisation Clarity

Nine employee associations representing thousands of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) staff have formally sought clarification from the agency's leadership regarding the government's policy on the privatisation and transfer of core manufacturing and operational functions to private entities. The joint representation, dated September 4, 2026, was submitted to ISRO Chairman and Department of Space Secretary V. Narayanan following the successful launch of the GSLV F17 mission carrying the EOS-05 satellite. The associations, which include the ISRO Staff Association, SHAR Employees Association, and seven others, represent approximately 5,000 employees, or about 27% of ISRO's workforce of 18,100. Their letter expresses concern over recent public statements and reports suggesting a significant shift in ISRO's role. Specifically, they cite remarks made by Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (INSPACe), at a summit on August 21, 2026. Goenka was reported to have stated that "eventually, ISRO will not make any launch vehicles and will not manufacture any launch vehicles. That will all be done by the private sector or PSU.