Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will continue to play a central role in India’s space sector despite the growing involvement of private companies, IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka said on Sunday. He emphasized that ISRO’s role is not diminishing as reforms expand the space ecosystem, allowing private firms to scale up while ISRO focuses on advanced research and new technologies, according to livemint.com.
Goenka addressed concerns among ISRO staff about the agency’s future amid increasing privatization. He clarified that ISRO will remain the bedrock of India’s space activities, with private players complementing rather than replacing the agency. The reforms aim to create a collaborative environment where private companies handle commercial launches and satellite manufacturing, while ISRO pursues scientific missions and technology development, the report said.
This approach reflects India’s broader strategy to boost its space capabilities by leveraging private sector efficiency and innovation without compromising ISRO’s leadership in research. The move aligns with global trends where national space agencies partner with private firms to accelerate growth. It also follows recent policy changes that have opened the Indian space sector to private investment and participation, aiming to enhance competitiveness and self-reliance.
IN-SPACe, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center, will continue overseeing private sector engagement in space activities. Pawan Goenka’s remarks on Sunday reaffirm ISRO’s enduring role as the country’s primary space agency while enabling private firms to contribute significantly to the sector’s expansion.