ISRO works on reusable launch vehicles and does not see SpaceX as competition

3 minutes of readingFebruary 6, 2026 09:51 am

Reusable rockets, like those used by SpaceX, are profitable, but the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) does not see SpaceX or other organizations as competition, said ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan. Speaking to the media in Pune during the convocation of DY Patil International University on February 5, Narayanan also said that ISRO has a Experimental programs to develop reusable launch vehicles..

ISRO It is known for its profitable space programs, and its Mars orbiter is cheaper in price budget than even some Hollywood movies. But US company SpaceX’s reusable launcher technology has reduced launch costs by a huge margin. Responding to a question whether this was tough competition for ISRO, Narayanan said, “No doubt when reusable launches are opted for, it will be profitable. We are working to develop reusable launch technology.”

“We don’t consider this as a competition. Because the Indian Space Program is meant for India. Strength only respects strength, if you don’t have a vibrant space program no one is going to respect you. And now we are serving the common man of the country,” he added.

When asked about the reusable release development schedule Narayanan said, “So far we only have an experimental program and we are working towards it.”

Learning from failures

Talking about how ISRO learned from its failures in the past, the president commented in his convocation speech: “Chandrayaan 2, it was a great mission. We all worked together for many years and then moved forward with the mission in 2019. We were supposed to make a soft landing at the South Pole of the Moon, but unfortunately it was a crash landing. And then we had to do our homework on many things. “We took it as a great opportunity to learn lessons.”

Narayanan continued, “A 10-member committee was constituted, with terms of reference, you have to understand it and give its recommendation in 30 days… The team did a fantastic job. Exactly 30 days, 5 hours before the deadline, I know 500 people who slept only 3-4 hours a day, we submitted the report. And with more than 100 recommendations implemented, Chandrayaan 3 was a great and successful mission.”

ISRO has faced successive failures in the last one year with its reliable PSLV rocket. The first failed launch occurred in May 2025, when the rocket developed problems in the third launch stage. The second failure occurred in January 2026, when PSLV-C62 carrying 16 satellites also suffered a problem in the third stage. Its Failure Analysis Committee report has not been made public.

Soham Shah is a correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Pune. A journalism graduate with experience in fact-checking, he brings a meticulous, research-oriented approach to his current reporting. Professional Experience Role: Correspondent covering education and urban affairs in Pune. Specialization: Its main objective is education, but it also maintains a strong focus on civic issues, public health, human rights and state policy. Key Strength: Soham focuses on data-driven reporting on school and college education, government reporting, and public infrastructure. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Their late 2025 work highlights a transition from education-focused reporting to hard-hitting investigative and human rights stories: 1. Investigations and Governance “Express Impact: Mother’s name now a must for downloading birth certificate from PMC site” (December 20, 2025) – Reports on a significant policy change by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) following its reports previous statements on the inclusion of gender in administrative documents. “44-acre Mahar land controversy: In June, a Pune official sought land eviction at the firm behest of Pawar’s son” (November 9, 2025) – An investigative article on real estate irregularities involving high-profile political families. 2. Education and University Life Faculty crisis at SPPU affects research and administrative work: 62% of government approved posts are vacant, more than 75% in many departments (September 12, 2025) – A research paper on faculty vacancies at Savitribai Phule Pune University. “Maharashtra’s controversial third language policy: Why the National Curriculum Framework recommends a Class 6 third language” (July 2) – This in-depth article discusses the reasons behind why the state’s decision to introduce a Class 1 third language was controversial. “Decline in number of schools and teachers in Maharashtra but increase in student enrollment: Report” (January 2025): Analysis of discrepancies in state’s education data despite increase in the number of students. 3. Human Rights and Social Issues “Aanchal Mamidawar Was Brave After Her Family Killed Her Boyfriend” (December 17, 2025) – A deeply personal and hard-hitting article/opinion column on the “crime of love” and honor killings in modern India. “‘People don’t respect the disabled’: Meet the man who has become the face of racist attacks against Indians” (November 29, 2025) – Profile of a Pune resident with severe physical deformities who became the target of global online bullying, highlighting issues of disability and cyberbullying. Distinctive style Soham is known for his vision of civil liberties. His reporting frequently champions the rights of the marginalized, whether students fighting for university democracy, victims of regressive social practices, or residents fighting crumbling urban infrastructure (as seen in his contributions to “Breathless Pune”). He is adept at linking Pune’s hyperlocal issues to broader national conversations about law and freedom. X (Twitter): @SohamShah07 …Read more

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