S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, stated in an interview that scientific missions should receive higher priority in future planning. He noted that the LVM3 vehicle recently deployed 36 satellites for the private OneWeb group, yet the Chandrayaan-3 lunar rover mission faces delay until June 2023. Somanath explained that the space sector responds to demand, with only four science missions completed against 53 satellites currently in orbit. He stressed that science has received minimal attention and limited budgets so far, but must become central, requiring additional resources. Regarding the pending space policy, he clarified it outlines intent to expand non-governmental participation without detailing organisational structures or the role of New Space India Limited. On comparisons with NASA, Somanath said ISRO focuses on building domestic industry capacity, as India lacks independent commercial capabilities in launches and manufacturing, unlike the established U.S. ecosystem. He emphasised following India’s own model rather than emulating other nations.
