What Happened
Scientists Raise Concerns Over Future Of India's Premier Space Agency
Scientists and staffers at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have expressed concerns over a plan to transfer the agency’s technologies to the private sector, as outlined by Pawan Goenka, head of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (InSpace). The plan, which involves ISRO focusing on special-purpose satellites and scientific research, while the private sector takes over launch vehicle manufacturing and other activities, has raised questions about the agency’s long-term viability and the potential exclusion of public sector units from manufacturing. The employees have sought clarification from the ISRO chairman on whether Goenka’s statements represent an approved decision of the government. This development was first reported by The Wire.