India’s ambitious space programme is facing a new challenge as more than 100 scientists have either resigned or opted for voluntary retirement from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in recent months. In response, the Department of Space (DoS) has tightened rules governing resignations, particularly for scientists involved in key national missions such as Gaganyaan.
Government tightens exit rules
A memorandum issued by the Department of Space on July 14 states that resignations and voluntary retirement requests from scientists working on flagship projects will no longer be approved through the usual process. Instead, each case will require clearance from the department, reflecting concerns over the impact of losing experienced personnel.
Why are scientists leaving?
Experts say the rapid growth of India’s private space industry is one of the biggest reasons behind the increasing departures. Since the space sector was opened to private participation in 2020, companies such as Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Bellatrix Aerospace, Dhruva Space and Digantara have created new career opportunities for aerospace professionals.
These firms offer higher salaries, stock options, quicker career growth and greater flexibility. They also allow scientists to take on leadership roles earlier and work on cutting-edge technologies in a fast-paced environment. Many former ISRO officials have also joined or mentored these startups, further strengthening the private space ecosystem.
Mission delays add to concerns
The resignations come at a time when ISRO has faced delays in several major programmes, including the Gaganyaan G1 test flight, SSLV-L1, GSLV-F17 and the industry-built PSLV-N1 mission.
According to current and former officials quoted anonymously, decision-making within the organisation has become increasingly centralised, with many technical and administrative approvals concentrated at the Chairman’s Office. They believe this has slowed operations and reduced organisational flexibility.
Experts suggest employment reforms
Senior officials have suggested that ISRO could adopt employment practices followed by agencies such as NASA and the European Space Agency, where a mix of permanent staff, contractors and project-based professionals provides greater flexibility while retaining specialised expertise.
Experts believe ISRO should increasingly focus on mission design, human spaceflight, deep-space exploration and advanced research, while the private sector takes on a larger role in commercial activities.
Talent retention becomes a priority
Although the number of departures represents only a small share of ISRO’s workforce of over 14,600 employees, many of those leaving have gained years of specialised experience through missions such as Chandrayaan-3, SpaDeX and Gaganyaan.
With India’s private space industry expanding rapidly, ISRO now faces a new challenge, not only attracting top scientific talent but also retaining the experienced workforce needed to deliver the country’s future space missions.
