In a move to safeguard India’s space programs, the Department of Space (DoS) has implemented stricter rules regarding resignations and voluntary retirements of scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Concerns have arisen as over 100 personnel have reportedly left ISRO in recent months, impacting critical projects like Gaganyaan and lunar exploration missions. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan acknowledged the resignations, highlighting the importance of retaining experienced staff for uninterrupted national missions.
The Department of Space, responding to the talent exodus from ISRO, issued a memorandum directing that resignation requests from key scientific and technical personnel involved in crucial missions will no longer be processed routinely. Instead, approvals will be deferred until project completion to prevent disruptions. The revised policy mandates that all exit applications from scientists working on national missions be sent to the Department of Space in New Delhi for final approval.
The attrition trend has notably affected key ISRO centers like Bengaluru’s U R Rao Satellite Centre and Thiruvananthapuram’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. Several prominent scientists, including project directors and managers associated with flagship missions, have reportedly resigned to explore opportunities in the private space sector. The emergence of India’s private space industry, offering higher salaries and career prospects, is considered a significant factor driving the talent shift from ISRO.
Despite historical challenges with attrition, ISRO assures that responsibilities are being reallocated systematically to mitigate the impact of recent departures. Notably, flagship missions like Gaganyaan are progressing as planned, even as ISRO faces vacancies in its scientific and technical workforce. The organization remains focused on sustaining its mission objectives amid ongoing changes in the space sector landscape.
