India's space program confronts a widening manpower shortage with nearly three in ten sanctioned posts vacant. Staffing levels have steadily declined, reaching a low point in recent years. This shortfall occurs as ISRO embarks on ambitious missions, including human spaceflight. The Department of Space cites Covid disruptions and recruitment reforms for the growing vacancies. Recruitment efforts are underway to fill over two thousand positions by late 2026.

The Department of Space has tightened rules for scientists leaving ISRO. This action follows a significant number of scientists resigning from key projects. Previously, centre…

The memorandum asks directors of ISRO centres and heads of various units to address this issue.