9 ISRO Staff Bodies Seek Written Clarity On Private Sector Shift, Raise Concerns Over Launch Vehicle Production

For the first time since India began opening its space sector to private players, nine employee bodies representing thousands of ISRO staff have formally sought written clarity from the Department of Space (DoS) over the future role of the space agency. The associations have raised questions about the proposed shift of launch vehicle production and infrastructure towards private operators.

In a representation dated September 4 and addressed to the ISRO chairman, who also serves as Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Space Commission, the employee bodies sought details on whether ISRO will continue to design, develop, integrate, test and launch vehicles such as the PSLV, LVM-3 and SSLV.

Staff Bodies Question Future Of ISRO

The joint representation comes amid concerns over the growing role of private companies in India’s space sector.

The employee bodies said private participation in defined commercial activities could coexist with a strong, publicly owned ISRO. However, they objected to any policy that could reduce ISRO primarily to a research and development institution while launch vehicle production and launch infrastructure move out of public control.

The associations described ISRO-developed technology as a national asset and said any transfer of such technology must be transparent and take into account strategic, safety and employment considerations.

They also argued that serving employees have a right to be informed and consulted on a policy change of this scale.

Questions Over ISRO’s Launch Vehicle Manufacturing Role

The representation referred to a recent public statement reportedly made by IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Goenka that ISRO would eventually “not manufacture any launch vehicles”.

The employee bodies have asked whether the statement represents an approved decision of the Government of India, the Space Commission or the Department of Space.

They have sought the date, authority and text of any such policy decision.

Among their key questions is whether the design, development, realisation, integration, testing and launch of the PSLV, LVM-3, SSLV and future successor vehicles will remain ISRO functions or be transferred elsewhere.

They have also asked whether public sector undertakings (PSUs) will be excluded from the proposed transfer of PSLV and LVM-3 production and, if so, why.

Concerns Over Publicly Funded Infrastructure And Technology

The nine bodies have sought written details on the institutional framework through which publicly developed technology, test facilities, launch complexes and technical know-how are being transferred or opened for private operation.

They have also questioned the respective roles of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and IN-SPACe in such transfers.

The representation stressed that launch vehicle design, realisation, integration, testing and launch operations are not simply manufacturing contracts, but constitute ISRO’s core technical capabilities and institutional expertise built over several decades.

Employees Fear Impact On Jobs And Recruitment

The staff associations have warned that a gradual reduction in ISRO’s role in launch vehicle and satellite realisation could reduce in-house work and affect sanctioned positions, promotions and skill-development opportunities.

They said the impact could extend across technical, scientific, administrative, stores, purchase, quality, safety and industrial cadres.

The representation also raised concerns that existing employees could become surplus, be redeployed or be left with reduced responsibilities while similar work is carried out by private contractors using technology developed by ISRO.

The associations said recruitment to Group A, B and C positions, already affected by vacancies and attrition, could decline further, limiting opportunities for young people seeking careers in the public space programme.

Nine Employee Bodies Sign Joint Representation

The representation has been signed by nine employee organisations:

• ISRO Staff Association

• SHAR Employees Association

• ISAC Employees Association

• ISRO Staff Association-LPSC

• ISRO Staff Association-BBU

• NRSA Employees Union

• Space Employees Association-BBU

• ISRO Staff Association-IPRC

• SAC Employees Welfare Association

The associations congratulated ISRO on the successful GSLV-F17/EOS-05 mission and said the achievement demonstrated the organisation’s ability to overcome challenges.

They said the representation had been submitted in a “constructive and democratic spirit” and that their concerns stemmed from their commitment to ISRO and India’s space programme.

The employee bodies said they would decide their further course of action after receiving a written response from the Department of Space.