New Delhi, Sept. 5 -- For the first time since the Indian government opened the space sector to private industry, nine employee bodies that represent the staff at ISRO centres have formally raised concerns over the direction and basis of the transition. In a joint representation dated September 4, the bodies are seeking a written clarification from the chairman of the Space Commission in the matter.

"Private participation in defined commercial activities can coexist with a strong, publicly owned ISRO. What cannot be accepted without debate is a policy that reduces ISRO to a residual R&D boutique while the realisation of the nation's launch vehicles and the operation of its launch infrastructure pass out of public hands," the representati...