ISRO issues memo to curb exodus of scientists and engineers from Gaganyaan and other key missions
The Indian Department of Space has issued a memorandum restricting voluntary retirement and resignations for Group A scientific personnel working on critical missions like Gaganyaan. This move aims to curb a recent exodus of talent from the space agency.
Why it matters
Retaining specialized technical talent is crucial for the success of India's high-stakes space exploration programs and national technological sovereignty.
With about 100 Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) personnel quitting the space agency in various centres across the country, the Department of Space (DoS) has issued a memorandum to curb the exodus of scientists and engineers who are working in critical missions of national importance, like the Gaganyaan .
In a memorandum issued on July 14, 2026, signed by S.R. Rajashekar, Joint Secretary (Personnel), Department of Space, states, “Of late, it is noticed that there has been spate of requests for voluntary retirement and resignation from Group ‘A’ Scientific/Technical personnel of ISRO including those associated with the prestigious Gaganyaan and other important missions/projects severely impacting the implementation of projects of national importance.”
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