ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said that the space agency is a government organisation and has not been privatised. Calling the concerns of ISRO employees valid, he said they would be addressed. Narayanan made these remarks to reporters after the inauguration ceremony of the 9th edition of the Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX). The information was provided by news agency PTI.
Narayanan’s statement came after a letter sent by nine ISRO employee associations on September 4. The associations had sought official clarification on the proposal to hand over ISRO’s manufacturing and operational activities to private entities.
Narayanan said that India’s growing space program requires around 50 launch vehicles every year. He said that ISRO is working with private companies and startups to expand the space sector and space economy in the country.
What the Chairman said about the privatisation of ISRO
V. Narayanan said, “ISRO has not been privatised, and it is a government organisation. We are working with government funding. However, we now have several kinds of tasks before us. It is essential to expand the space ecosystem and space economy in the country.”
Regarding the concerns raised by employee associations, he said, “Whatever concerns my colleagues have are certainly valid. It is our responsibility to clarify them.” On the issue of different voices being raised, he said, “We will address the concerns of the employees.”
Space sector reforms implemented 6 years ago
Narayanan said that India’s space programme is 64-65 years old. At present, the country has 56 space assets in orbit, which are serving ordinary people. However, the country’s needs are far greater than this.
He said that reforms in the space sector were implemented around six years ago. According to him, under these reforms, ISRO is required to support the private sector and startup companies and expand the country’s space ecosystem.
Narayanan said, “Whenever a PSLV or GSLV is launched, around 80% of its budget is invested in Indian industry. A total of 450 industries are working for us.”
Target of 50 Launch Vehicles Every Year
Speaking about India’s growing space requirements, Narayanan said, “The country needs around 50 launch vehicles every year. We have to move forward.”
On the feasibility of achieving the capacity for 50 launches every year, he recalled the time when he joined ISRO. He said that 43 years ago, when he joined ISRO, there was one launch every three years.
Narayanan said, “A lot of activities are now underway. People outside may know about only one or two things, but it is our responsibility at ISRO to take every effort forward. Fifty launches every year are going to become a reality.”
He said that this work would be completed “by Indians in India.”
