New Delhi, July 17, 2026: The Department of Space (DoS) has tightened resignation and voluntary retirement rules for scientists working on India's flagship space missions after a significant rise in departures over the past year. The move is aimed at protecting high-priority projects, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, from disruptions caused by the loss of experienced personnel.
According to an internal memorandum issued on July 14, resignations from Group A scientific and technical staff associated with Gaganyaan and other major missions will no longer be approved routinely. Instead, all such requests must receive clearance from the Department of Space headquarters.
New Approval Process for Resignations
Previously, ISRO centre directors had the authority to approve resignations and voluntary retirement requests. Under the revised policy, these cases must now be forwarded to the Department of Space for a final decision, particularly when they involve scientists engaged in projects of national importance.
Officials say the policy change was prompted by concerns that the recent increase in resignations has affected the continuity of critical space missions.
Around 120 Scientists Reportedly Left in a Year
Reports indicate that around 100–120 scientists resigned from ISRO over the past year. Several of those who left were associated with key programmes and major research centres, including:
- U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram
- Scientists working on the Gaganyaan mission
- Personnel involved in advanced satellite and launch vehicle programmes
The departures have raised concerns about retaining highly skilled technical talent required for India's ambitious space programme.
ISRO Chairman Responds
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan acknowledged that employees leaving the organisation is a normal part of workforce movement but stressed that the agency is taking steps to strengthen its human resources.
According to the chairman:
- Recruitment for more than 1,000 scientific, technical, and administrative positions is underway.
- Hundreds of additional higher-grade posts have been created to strengthen ISRO's long-term workforce.
- Measures are being taken to ensure that important national missions continue without major disruptions.
Concerns Over Talent Retention
Industry observers and former employees argue that administrative restrictions alone may not solve the problem.
Some of the concerns frequently raised include:
- Lower salaries compared with private aerospace companies.
- Long working hours and demanding project schedules.
- Growing opportunities in India's expanding private space sector.
- Better compensation packages and career growth offered by companies such as Skyroot Aerospace and other space startups.
Critics believe improving pay, career progression, and workplace flexibility may be more effective in retaining experienced scientists.
Why Gaganyaan Matters
The Gaganyaan Mission is India's first human spaceflight programme and is considered one of the country's most ambitious scientific projects. The mission aims to send Indian astronauts into low-Earth orbit aboard an indigenously developed spacecraft.
Any delay caused by the loss of experienced engineers or scientists could affect mission timelines and future space exploration plans.
Looking Ahead
The Department of Space's latest decision reflects the government's determination to safeguard critical national space programmes while addressing immediate staffing challenges. However, experts say long-term success will depend not only on stricter administrative rules but also on making ISRO an increasingly attractive destination for the country's top scientific talent.
With fresh recruitment underway and new positions being created, ISRO hopes to strengthen its workforce while keeping flagship missions such as Gaganyaan firmly on schedule.
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