Why are ISRO scientists resigning? Here's full inside story

New Delhi [India]: India's ambitious space programme is facing an unexpected challenge—not in space, but on the ground.

As the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) prepares for major missions including Gaganyaan, future Chandrayaan missions, an Indian space station by 2035 and a crewed Moon mission by 2040, the agency is grappling with a reported rise in resignations among its scientists and engineers.

The development has prompted the Department of Space (DoS) to tighten rules governing resignations and voluntary retirement for scientists working on critical national missions.

Why Are ISRO Scientists Resigning?

According to reports, more than 100 scientists and engineers have resigned or sought to leave ISRO in recent months. The reported exits include personnel associated with flagship programmes such as Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-3, the LVM-3 launch vehicle programme, and the SPADEX mission.

While ISRO has not officially stated the reasons behind individual resignations, industry experts believe India's rapidly expanding private space sector is offering experienced ISRO scientists better pay packages and new career opportunities.

Experts also say the agency may need to examine internal workplace issues and long-term career progression if it wants to retain highly skilled talent.

Department of Space Tightens Resignation Rules

An internal memorandum issued on July 14 states that resignation requests from scientists associated with critical national missions should no longer be treated as routine.

Under the new directive, all resignation and voluntary retirement requests from scientists working on flagship missions will require approval from the Department of Space, taking the final decision out of the hands of ISRO Centre Directors.

The government has also directed Centre Directors not to approve voluntary retirement or resignation requests from scientists working on these missions until the projects are completed.

According to the Department of Space, the reported increase in resignations is affecting the execution of projects of national importance.

ISRO Says Missions Will Continue

Responding to concerns over the reported departures, the ISRO Chairman said the organisation remains fully equipped to handle the transition.

According to the Chairman, responsibilities will be reassigned wherever necessary to ensure that ongoing missions remain on track.

ISRO Faces Manpower Gap

The reported resignations come as ISRO is also dealing with a manpower shortage.

Government data presented in Parliament shows that more than 1,600 scientific and technical posts remain vacant, while recruitment is underway to fill these positions.

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The manpower gap comes at a time when ISRO is simultaneously preparing for multiple high-profile missions, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, future Chandrayaan missions, an Indian space station by 2035, and a crewed Moon mission by 2040.

The Bigger Challenge for India's Space Programme

The government's immediate response has been to tighten the approval process for scientists seeking to resign from critical missions.

However, industry experts say the larger challenge is ensuring that India's expanding space ambitions are matched by a strong and stable scientific workforce. Along with recruitment, retaining experienced scientists will remain a key focus as the country's space programme enters its next phase of growth.

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