Harnessing the Capabilities of Space Technology Start-Ups for Major Projects of the Indian Space Program: G. Madhavan Nair

Former ISRO Chairman G. Madhavan Nair says ISRO alone has the capability to achieve the goals of landing an Indian astronaut on the moon or building an Indian space station. (Photo File)

The talent and resources of space technology start-ups should be used for flagship initiatives like landing an Indian astronaut on the moon and building the Bharat Antariksh station, rather than encouraging unhealthy competition with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), former Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman G. Madhavan Nair said.

Inaugurating a seminar on ‘Future of ISRO: Fears and Anxieties’ organized by the ISRO Retirees Association in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday (October 7, 2026), Dr. Nair questioned the rationale of start-ups developing 300 kg rockets when ISRO’s 50 kg vehicle could be launched up to SS.LV. Such an effort is worth it if the launch vehicle is extremely cost effective, reliable and has a better turnaround time.

Dr. Nair said that in his assessment, ISRO alone has the capability to achieve the goals of landing an Indian astronaut on the moon or building an Indian space station. “Only ISRO can come up with the overall mission, break it down into sub-systems, qualify them and make the mission profitable in minimum time,” he said.

He called for collaboration between ISRO, start-ups and industry for the future progress of India’s space programme. A cooperative environment is called for rather than unhealthy competition, he said.

Foreign financing

Dr. Dismissing concerns about the role of private players in India’s space programme, Nair said the relationship between ISRO and private industry began 50 years ago with the SLV-3 project. As for concerns about foreign funding for space start-ups, he said the government should address these issues.

Former Vikram Sarabhai Space Center Director MC Dathan, former KELTRON Chairman and ISRO veteran N. Narayana Moorthy, ISRO Pensioners Association President AG Rajendran and General Secretary Johnson S. Fernandez spoke.

Published – 7 Oct 2026 22:05 IST