A Spate of Resignations
In recent months, between 100 and 120 scientists have resigned or sought voluntary retirement from ISRO. These aren't just junior members; the list includes senior, experienced personnel crucial to flagship projects like the Gaganyaan human spaceflight
mission and Chandrayaan. Key centres like the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram have been particularly affected, losing around 80 and 20 scientists, respectively. While this is a small fraction of ISRO's total workforce of over 14,600, the concern lies in the loss of specialised expertise from high-priority national missions.
What is the New Exit Protocol?
In response to the departures, the Department of Space (DoS) issued a memorandum on July 14, 2026, tightening the rules for leaving the organisation. Previously, under a 2020 reform, directors of individual ISRO centres could approve resignations. The new protocol reverses this. Now, requests for resignation or voluntary retirement from Group 'A' scientific and technical personnel involved in critical projects like Gaganyaan must be sent to the DoS for final approval. The internal memo explicitly states the decision was made due to a “spate of requests” that was “severely impacting implementation of projects of national importance.” This change is not a ban on resigning but an effort to manage the timing and impact of sudden, high-profile exits.
The Pull of the Private Sector
The primary driver behind the departures isn't the exit protocol itself but the booming private space industry in India. Since the sector was opened to private participation in 2020, over 200 spacetech startups like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos have emerged, creating a competitive job market. These companies offer significantly higher salaries, stock options, and faster career growth. For many scientists, the allure of greater creative freedom, less bureaucracy, and the chance to take on senior leadership roles earlier in their careers is a powerful incentive to move. In an ironic twist, ISRO now finds itself competing for talent with the very ecosystem it helped create.
Is This a Recent Crisis?
While the recent wave of departures is notable, attrition is not a new phenomenon at ISRO. Official figures show that around 700 employees left between 2012 and 2024. Even earlier, between 2004 and 2007, nearly half of the agency's new recruits reportedly quit. However, the current trend is different because it involves experienced scientists with mission-critical knowledge leaving for domestic competitors rather than opportunities abroad. Other contributing factors cited include mission delays and a centralisation of decision-making within the organisation, which can affect morale and motivation.
What This Means for India's Space Ambitions
The loss of experienced personnel presents a genuine challenge. Training scientists to lead complex space programmes can take decades, and their specialised knowledge is not easily replaceable by new recruits. The government's new exit protocol is a direct attempt to ensure flagship projects like Gaganyaan are not jeopardised. However, the larger issue is one of adaptation. As India's private space economy is projected to grow to $44 billion by 2033, the competition for top talent will only intensify. ISRO is also actively recruiting, with over 1,000 new positions in the pipeline, but the core challenge remains retaining its most valuable and experienced minds in a newly dynamic industry.
