Latest update:Jul 16, 2026 11:46 AM EST
The Department of Space (DoS) has issued a memorandum to tighten rules on voluntary retirement and retirement of scientists associated with Gaganyaan and other important national missions.
ISRO’s ‘brain drain’ affects India’s space mission
New Delhi: India’s ambitious space program has now entered a critical phase. From the Gaganyaan manned spaceflight program to the launch of advanced satellites and planetary exploration, many projects are being implemented at a rapid pace. But amid the progress of these projects, the Department of Space (DoS) has stepped in to stem the growing exodus of senior scientists from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). This has raised new questions about the retention of qualified staff at one of the country’s most prestigious scientific institutions.
According to a report in The Times of India, at least 100 scientists have quit ISRO in the past few months. As a result, on July 14, the Ministry of Health issued a new internal memorandum tightening the rules for the voluntary resignation and resignation of scientists associated with Gaganyaan and other important national projects.
According to the report, it has been directed that resignation or voluntary resignation of Group A scientific and technical personnel working on Gaganyaan and other important missions will no longer be accepted as part of the normal administrative process.
Previously, the directors of various ISRO centers had the authority to approve such applications. This right has been revoked in accordance with the revised guidelines. From now on, all resignations and voluntary statements from scientists involved in important projects will be reviewed in detail and receive final approval at the Space Department level. Decision-making authority is centralized through this solution, preserving the workforce needed to execute critical strategic objectives.
The phenomenon of ISRO staff leaving is not new. However, recent resignations have reportedly particularly impacted the company’s flagship projects, especially the Gaganyaan project, India’s first manned space mission.
According to DOS, the increase in resignations has begun to affect the implementation of projects of national importance. The specialized skills and experience of scientists working on such missions are difficult to quickly replace with anyone else. Consequently, their sudden departure could pose a potential threat to the mission’s schedule and continuity.
Why are scientists leaving ISRO?
Neither the Department of Space (DOS) nor ISRO has yet officially said anything about the reasons for the recent wave of resignations from ISRO. However, according to a WION report, the rapid expansion of India’s private space sector is believed to be one of the main reasons.
Since the opening up of the space sector to the private sector, startups and space technology companies have been keen to hire experienced ISRO scientists for various leadership and key technical positions. Apart from this, the demand for skilled space professionals outside the organization has also increased significantly due to industry participation in satellite projects and government initiative for launch vehicle technology transfer.
Former ISRO officials quoted in the WION report warned that imposing administrative restrictions alone would not solve the problem. According to them, to retain a skilled workforce, attention must also be given to broader organizational issues such as career opportunities, leadership, work environment and employee motivation.
Location :
Kolkata, West Bengal
First publication:
Jul 16, 2026 11:36 AM EST
Bengal News/News/country/
More than 100 scientists are retiring! Center Shocked, ISRO ‘Brain Drain’ Affects India’s Space Mission