Tap space-tech start-ups’ capabilities for major projects of Indian space programme: G. Madhavan Nair
Former ISRO Chairperson G. Madhavan Nair has urged the Indian space sector to prioritize collaboration between ISRO and private startups rather than fostering unhealthy competition. He emphasized that ISRO should lead flagship missions while startups focus on cost-effective, reliable contributions to the national space program.
Why it matters
This reflects the ongoing debate regarding the privatization of the Indian space sector and the strategic balance between state-led innovation and private enterprise.
The talents and resources of space-tech start-ups should be tapped for flagship initiatives such as landing an Indian astronaut on the moon and building the Bharat Antariksh Station rather than encouraging unhealthy competition with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), former Chairperson of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) G. Madhavan Nair has said.
Inaugurating a seminar on ‘ISRO’s Future: Concerns and Anxieties,’ organised by the ISRO Pensioners’ Association in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday (October 7, 2026), Dr. Nair questioned the rationale of start-ups developing rockets with 300-kg payload capability when ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) could launch up to 500 kg. Such efforts have value if the launch vehicle is extremely cost-effective, reliable and has a better turn-around time.
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