What the Numbers Say
In recent months, between 100 and 120 scientists and engineers have reportedly resigned or taken voluntary retirement from ISRO. While this may seem like a small fraction of ISRO's total workforce of over 14,000, the concern lies in who is leaving. The
departures are concentrated in mission-critical roles and key centres like the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru, which reportedly lost around 80 specialists, and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, which saw at least 20 departures. These aren't just junior employees; they include senior personnel with years of irreplaceable, mission-specific knowledge on flagship programmes like the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. In response, the Department of Space (DoS) has tightened the rules, requiring higher-level approval for resignations from those on critical missions.
The Pull of the Private Sector
A primary driver for this exodus is the explosive growth of India's private space industry. Since the sector was opened to private participation in 2020, a vibrant ecosystem of startups like Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, and Pixxel has emerged. These companies, often founded by ISRO veterans, offer what the government agency struggles to match: significantly higher salaries, lucrative stock options, and faster career growth. For scientists used to a hierarchical structure, private firms promise greater flexibility, creative freedom, and the chance to take on leadership roles much earlier in their careers. The allure isn't just financial; it's the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment where ideas can move from concept to hardware more rapidly.
A Question of Compensation and Culture
The pay disparity is stark. A senior ISRO scientist with two decades of experience might earn around ₹2 lakh per month, including allowances. In contrast, founders of space startups who left ISRO now hold stakes worth crores, and even employees can earn more from a single equity event than in an entire government career. Beyond pay, some former employees point to the stifling weight of public-sector bureaucracy and slower-paced mission timelines as contributing factors. While the prestige of working for a national institution was once a primary reward, the tangible benefits offered by the private sector are becoming too significant to ignore for many.
What This Means for India's Space Ambitions
The loss of experienced personnel poses a genuine threat to India's most ambitious space projects, including the Gaganyaan mission, future lunar explorations, and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station. Space programmes rely heavily on institutional memory—the kind of tacit knowledge gained from years of testing and troubleshooting that can't be found in a manual. Losing dozens of senior experts at once could slow down development, delay critical missions, and increase the burden on the remaining workforce. While ISRO has stated that its programmes remain on track and that it is managing the transition, the government's move to restrict resignations signals a clear concern about mission continuity.
