---
title: "ISRO Chief Somanath Advocates for Science-Driven Shift in India's Space Strategy"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/isro-chief-somanath-advocates-for-science-driven-shift-in-india-s-space-strategy-vz2y9
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Technology
published: 2026-08-03T07:58:16.000Z
modified: 2026-08-03T12:01:01.140Z
language: en-IN
---

# ISRO Chief Somanath Advocates for Science-Driven Shift in India's Space Strategy

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath argues that scientific exploration must become a central priority despite current commercial demands. He identifies a historical lack of funding for science missions compared to satellite deployments.

## Key takeaways

- ISRO Chairman S. Somanath stated that scientific missions have historically been a low priority due to limited budget allocations.
- The agency currently maintains 53 satellites in orbit, yet only four of these are dedicated to scientific exploration.
- Chandrayaan-3 is expected to launch in June 2023 as ISRO balances commercial demands with exploration goals.
- India's upcoming space policy aims to increase the involvement of non-governmental entities in the space sector.
- Somanath emphasized that ISRO's current role involves mentoring the domestic industry until it can operate independently.

## Funding Realities and the Push for Science

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S. Somanath has highlighted a systemic imbalance in India's space program, noting that scientific exploration has historically occupied a minor position compared to commercial and utility requirements. Speaking following the successful LVM3-M2/OneWeb mission, which deployed 36 private satellites into orbit, Somanath clarified that while ISRO currently operates 53 satellites, only four are dedicated to scientific missions. The Chairman emphasized that although scientific advancement should lead the agency's future, the current financial framework often ties funding to non-science priorities.

## The Commercial Mandate and Sector Evolution

Addressing the delay of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar rover mission, now projected for June 2023, Somanath explained that ISRO must remain responsive to market demand. However, he warned that the science component remains disproportionately small due to budget constraints. The upcoming national space policy seeks to address these dynamics by encouraging non-governmental entities to enter the sector. Unlike the U.S. model where NASA operates alongside a mature private industry, ISRO currently serves as a mentor to an Indian industrial ecosystem that is not yet capable of independent satellite manufacturing or launches.

### Defining a Distinct Indian Model

Somanath rejected direct comparisons to NASA, stating that India is following its own developmental trajectory. The primary objective for ISRO at this stage is to foster a domestic industry capable of handling routine operations, which would eventually allow the agency to focus more heavily on ambitious research. Key challenges remain, particularly in securing the capital required for deep-space science and addressing the retention of the nation's scientific talent.
- Total Satellites: 53 currently in orbit.
- Science Missions: Only four missions dedicated to pure science.
- Upcoming Launch: Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission expected in June 2023.

Source: The Hindu — Sci-Tech

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/isro-chief-somanath-advocates-for-science-driven-shift-in-india-s-space-strategy-vz2y9
Reported from: The Hindu — Sci-Tech