{
  "id": 6001708,
  "title": "‘Completely baseless’: ISRO rejects reports of privatisation, calls them ‘incorrect’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/completely-baseless-isro-rejects-reports-of-privatisation-calls-them",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-06T15:35:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/completely-baseless-isro-rejects-reports-of-privatisation-calls-them-incorrect-101788708794158.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has firmly rejected claims of its potential privatization or reduced role, labeling the assertions as \"completely baseless and incorrect.\" In a statement, ISRO emphasized that it would neither be privatized nor have its importance diminished. The agency affirmed that it will continue to serve as India's principal institution for advanced space research, national and strategic missions, space science and exploration, as well as critical and frontier space capabilities. According to ISRO, private-sector participation in space would not diminish its role but would allow the agency to focus on the next phase of the country's space program while private industry advances proven technologies and capabilities. The statement highlighted that the reforms are meant to expand the space ecosystem and multiply capabilities, rather than privatize ISRO. The agency's Space Vision 2047 includes ambitious goals such as establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035, sending Indian astronauts to the Moon by 2040, developing next-generation reusable launch systems, and pursuing long-term exploration of the Moon and other planets. Private participation in operations and services is permitted where appropriate, subject to national-security, safety, and other regulatory considerations. Strategic and nationally critical capabilities will continue to be governed by security, safety, quality, and national-interest considerations. The move was prompted by a letter sent to ISRO chairman and Department of Space secretary V Narayanan by nine associations representing thousands of ISRO employees, seeking clarification on a proposed shift in the agency's manufacturing and operational work to private entities.",
  "summary": "The statement comes after associations representing thousands of ISRO employees had sought clarification over the reported proposal.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}