Bengaluru: India’s space agency ISRO, through its Department of Space (DoS), has rolled out a new internal memorandum aimed at curbing a surge of resignations from its flagship programmes. Dated July 14, the directive specifically targets scientists working on the Gaganyaan human‑spaceflight programme, Chandrayaan‑3, and other missions of national importance.

Background and Current Situation

While ISRO’s total workforce exceeds 14,600 personnel, the recent wave of exits, though numerically modest, has hit the agency’s most strategic centres – the U R Sarma Centre (URSC) and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Multiple insiders told TOI that roughly 80 scientists have left URSC and at least 20 from VSSC, putting the total resignations at an estimated 120. High‑profile departures include LVM‑3 project director Victor Joseph and the SpaDeX project head, as well as a young scientist from the Chandrayaan‑3 team.

Key Provisions of the New Memorandum

The memo states that “requests for voluntary retirement and resignation from Group ‘A’ scientific/technical personnel associated with prestigious missions such as Gaganyaan may not be accepted as a matter of routine.” Centre directors have been instructed not to approve such requests independently. Instead, each case must be forwarded to the DoS, accompanied by the director’s recommendation, for a final decision. This reverses the November 25, 2020 order that had empowered centre heads to process Group‑A resignations up to the scientist/engineer‑SG level.

Historical Attrition and Future Challenges

Turnover is not new to ISRO. Between 2004 and 2007, nearly half of the agency’s new recruits quit, and official data shows about 700 employees resigned between 2012 and 2024. The 2025‑26 annual report indicates recruitment for roughly 1,050 scientific, technical, and administrative posts is underway, while a cadre review last year regularised 466 project posts and created about 460 higher‑grade positions. Nonetheless, replacing seasoned scientists on critical national missions is far more complex than filling vacant slots.

Implications and the Road Ahead

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan acknowledged the departures, noting that “people move on, but it is part of every organization. The memorandum is not only about retention but also about ensuring that key projects do not suffer sudden setbacks.” Analysts warn that if underlying grievances—ranging from compensation to private‑sector allure—remain unaddressed, further attrition could jeopardise India’s ambitious space agenda.