Goa, July 17 -- India's ambitious space programme is facing an unexpected challenge as more than 100 scientists have either resigned or opted for voluntary retirement from the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) in recent months. The growing exodus has prompted the Department of Space (DoS) to tighten rules governing resignations, particularly for scientists involved in flagship missions such as Gaganyaan.

Industry experts say the rapid growth of India's private space sector is one of the primary reasons behind the departures. Since the government opened the space sector to private participation in 2020, startups such as Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Bellatrix Aerospace, Dhruva Space and Digantara have emerged as attra...