ISRO Is Not Being Privatised: Chairman V Narayanan Sets The Record Straight On Space Reforms

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan has clarified that ISRO is not being privatised, while underlining the growing role of private industry in India’s space ecosystem. Speaking on space-sector reforms, Narayanan said around 80% of the budget for missions such as PSLV and GSLV is invested in Indian industries, with around 450 companies already working with ISRO. He stressed that India now needs roughly 50 launch vehicles every year, making greater private-sector participation essential to scale the country’s space capabilities. Narayanan said the government’s mandate is to grow the overall space ecosystem while ISRO continues to remain a government organisation. He also addressed concerns raised by employees, saying the organisation will engage with its workforce as India accelerates its ambitions in the global space economy.