New Delhi, September 6 (IANS). The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has termed the media reports regarding its privatization and downsizing as completely baseless and false. ISRO clarified that it will remain the central institution of India's space program and will continue to lead all important future missions.
ISRO said in a detailed statement released on social media platform The organization rejected these claims outright and said that ISRO will neither be privatized nor will its importance be reduced.
ISRO said it will continue to lead advanced space research in the country, national and strategic missions, missions like human space flight, next generation launch technologies, Indian Space Station, lunar and planetary exploration.
According to the organization, the purpose of private sector participation is not to reduce ISRO's role, but to give it an opportunity to focus on more advanced research and future technologies.
ISRO said that the space sector reforms initiated from the year 2020 and the Indian Space Policy-2023 aim to create a large, strong and globally competitive space ecosystem in India.
The statement said that industries, startups and academic institutions are being given the opportunity to participate in the entire value chain of the space sector, which will further strengthen ISRO's capabilities. Therefore, these reforms should not be seen as privatization, but as expansion of the space ecosystem.
ISRO said that it has already transferred many of its mature technologies to industries. This does not mean that ISRO is withdrawing from that area. This will facilitate large-scale production, commercialization and global market access, while enabling ISRO scientists to work on next-generation technologies and complex national missions.
ISRO said India aims to establish an Indian space station by 2035, send Indian astronauts to the Moon by 2040, develop reusable launch systems and pursue long-term exploration of the Moon and other planets.
The organization said that for such ambitious missions, it is extremely important for ISRO to remain focused on advanced scientific research and strategic capabilities.
According to ISRO, there were only a few space startups in India in 2020, whereas today their number has crossed 450. These startups are working in areas like launch vehicle, satellite, propulsion, earth observation, communication and space applications.
ISRO said that India's space economy is currently worth about $8.4 billion and a target has been set to increase it to $44 billion by 2033. This will require government resources as well as private investment, industrial capacity and entrepreneurship.
–IANS
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