Report: Over 100 ISRO Scientists Exit Key Missions, Government Tightens Resignation Rules
The Department of Space (DoS) has tightened rules governing the resignation and voluntary retirement of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists after reports that more than 100 scientists associated with Gaganyaan and other strategic missions have resigned or sought early retirement in recent months. The move reflects growing concern within the government over the loss of experienced personnel from India’s flagship space programmes.
An internal memorandum issued on July 14 directs ISRO centres not to routinely accept resignation or voluntary retirement requests from Group ‘A’ scientific and technical personnel working on Gaganyaan and other nationally important missions. Instead, all such requests must now be referred to the Department of Space for final approval, centralising the decision-making process.
According to media reports citing official sources, around 100 scientists have left ISRO over the past few months. The departures reportedly include personnel from major centres such as the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram. Some reports also indicate that a few senior project leaders associated with prominent missions have moved on, raising concerns over the loss of specialised expertise.
The departures are considered particularly significant because many of the scientists were involved in high-priority programmes, including Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight mission, as well as other strategic satellite and launch vehicle projects. Officials are said to be concerned that replacing experienced scientists with equivalent mission-specific knowledge could delay or complicate ongoing programmes.
Although the government has not officially disclosed the reasons behind the resignations, reports suggest that the rapid expansion of India’s private space sector has created new career opportunities offering higher salaries, faster career progression and greater flexibility. Since the opening of the space sector to private participation, several startups and aerospace companies have actively recruited experienced ISRO professionals.
Despite the attrition, ISRO leadership has reportedly assured that ongoing missions remain on schedule and that the agency continues to maintain adequate technical capacity. Officials have indicated that the new approval mechanism is intended to ensure that critical missions are not adversely affected by the departure of key personnel during crucial phases of development and execution.
The decision to tighten exit rules highlights the strategic importance of retaining scientific talent as India advances ambitious programmes such as Gaganyaan, next-generation launch vehicles, planetary exploration missions and expanded commercial space activities. The government is expected to examine additional measures to improve long-term retention of highly skilled scientists while balancing individual career choices with national strategic interests.
