Changes in ISRO structure detrimental to country: Former PM Madhavan warns

Bangalore, Ta. Monday, June 22, 2020

Former ISRO chief and senior space scientist Madhavan Nair expressed concern over reports of changes in ISRO's structure. He opined that if there is a change in the structure of ISRO, the effect will be seen in the performance as well.

Efforts are being made to increase industrial participation in ISRO. The Center had earlier said in a statement that it was considering allowing the private sector to use ISRO facilities. There were subsequent reports that ISRO remained inactive in terms of industrial partnership, requiring structural change.

It was also suggested that different departments of ISRO should be allowed to operate independently. In other words, instead of ISRO working collectively, it is being recommended to create a framework where all departments work under different leaderships.

In this regard, the former head of ISRO G. Madhavan Nair opined that if there is a change in the organization of ISRO, it will affect its capacity. Working with integration was the main strength of ISRO. For this, space scientist Madhav compared ISRO and Ellen Musk's company SpaceX. He said ISRO and Ellen Musk's SpaceX could work just as effectively because they worked together.

The senior scientist said that a change in ISRO's structure could weaken ISRO and benefit private companies. He warned that the matter would be very serious for ISRO's long-term project and long-term success.