ISRO said it would remain India’s principal institution for advanced space research, technology development, strategic missions, space science and exploration, and critical space capabilities. The statement followed a Sept. 4 letter from the staff association seeking clarity from ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan over reports that companies could assume manufacturing and operational responsibilities currently handled by the agency. Employees also cited a lack of formal communication from the Department of Space about proposals to privatize some activities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government opened India’s space sector to private companies in 2020, leading industry to take on more rocket manufacturing and other work. A consortium led by Hindustan Aeronautics and Larsen & Toubro is producing the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, while the government has transferred Small Satellite Launch Vehicle technology to HAL. Pawan Goenka, chairman of space regulator IN-SPACe, said ISRO remains the bedrock of the sector and that the reforms are intended to expand India’s overall space ecosystem.