THE Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has contemplated a good move to allow entry of private sector into the domain of building rockets and providing launch services. This is in tune with the latest developments around the world. At a time when the Spacex company of Mr. Elon Musk is making spacecrafts and launching them with humans on board, India can only ill-afford to lag behind in an area in which the Indian prowess has been recognised the world over.Very rightly, ISRO Director Mr. K. Sivan has described this step as a “major reform”.

 

When implemented, this reform will take ISRO much ahead of its peers in the field of space science. For, when private sector initiative is introduced in an endeavour, it brings in not just money but also enterprise that makes all the difference. India’s space programme, too, will get an appropriate boost once private sector enters the arena. This will not reduce ISRO’s role of its importance. Much to the contrary, it will only enhance ISRO’s ability to expand the Indian outreach in space for the benefit of all.