Sriharikota, Sep 2026 : ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan on Friday defended the growing participation of private players in India’s space sector, saying the country’s expanding requirements cannot be met by the space agency alone and that the overall ecosystem must grow significantly.
Narayanan said India’s space economy needs to expand rapidly to meet the rising demand for satellites and space-based services. He pointed out that while ISRO currently operates 56 satellites, the country’s requirements run into hundreds.
“Please understand, our country’s space economy has to grow and the space ecosystem has to grow because ISRO alone cannot meet the needs of the country. Right now, we have 56 satellites, but the requirement is for hundreds of satellites,” he said.
The ISRO chief said the government’s space sector reforms were aimed at creating greater opportunities for private industry and expanding the country’s overall capabilities. He said ISRO would continue to provide support and guidance to private players as the ecosystem develops.
“Therefore, the government has announced space sector reforms, and ISRO is hand-holding these activities. We have to really ensure that the space ecosystem in our country grows,” Narayanan said.
He added that a larger space industry would generate employment, contribute to economic growth and increase domestic satellite production. Greater private participation, he said, would complement ISRO’s capabilities rather than diminish the organisation’s role.
Narayanan also described the successful launch of the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite as a major achievement for the country. He said the mission marked the heaviest satellite launch so far by the GSLV Mark II vehicle.
“This mission is a very important mission and a proud moment for every Indian because, for the first time, the heaviest satellite has been lifted by the GSLV Mark II vehicle,” he said.
Narayanan noted that the GSLV Mark II’s payload capability had increased substantially since its initial development. From an initial capacity of 1,536 kg, the vehicle’s capability has improved by nearly 40 per cent, enabling it to carry the latest heavier satellite.
Providing an update on the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport, Narayanan said construction was progressing well and remained on schedule. The project is expected to be completed by March.
He also said the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme was progressing as planned, with the first uncrewed mission targeted for launch this year.
Meanwhile, GSLV-F17 successfully lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 2:55 a.m. on Friday, carrying EOS-05 into its designated orbit and marking another milestone in India’s expanding space programme.
