ISRO’s Stellar Returns! Every Rupee Invested Yields Rs 2.54, Says Former Chief S. Somanath

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is not just reaching for the stars but delivering stellar economic returns right here on Earth. According to former ISRO chairman S. Somanath, every rupee invested in India’s space program generates an impressive Rs 2.54 in economic value, showcasing the agency’s remarkable efficiency and far-reaching impact.

Speaking at the Oxford India Business Forum in July 2025, Somanath highlighted ISRO’s transformative role in driving socio-economic progress. A 2024 Novaspace report further backs this claim, estimating that India’s space sector has contributed $60 billion to the economy over the past decade, supported 4.7 million jobs, and generated $24 billion in tax revenues. From enabling secure ATM transactions to guiding 800,000 fishermen daily with satellite-based advisories, ISRO’s innovations touch every corner of Indian society.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is ISRO’s lean budget of $1.6 billion annually— a fraction of NASA’s $25 billion—yet its impact rivals global giants. Over its 55-year history, ISRO’s total investment is less than a single year of NASA’s funding, underscoring its frugal yet effective approach. The agency’s satellites power critical services like cyclone tracking, which has slashed disaster-related fatalities, crop forecasting for farmers, and high-resolution surveillance for national security.

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Somanath emphasized that ISRO’s focus is not on global competition but on serving India’s needs. “Our satellites help fishermen save fuel and find better yields, while weather forecasts protect 1.4 billion lives,” he noted in a recent interaction. ISRO’s commercial arm, Antrix Corporation, has also boosted the economy, earning $439 million over the past decade through foreign satellite launches, including $143 million and €272 million in foreign exchange.

The rise of India’s private space sector, with over 400 companies emerging since 2020, has further amplified these returns. From startups building cutting-edge satellites to firms supporting smart city initiatives, ISRO’s ecosystem is fostering innovation and economic growth. Looking ahead, ISRO’s 25-year roadmap includes ambitious goals like landing an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040 and establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, ensuring its contributions will only grow.

While the Rs 2.54 return per rupee is a testament to ISRO’s efficiency, experts note that increasing funding for research and talent could push these returns even higher. For now, ISRO remains a shining example of how strategic investments in technology can yield outsized benefits, making it a cornerstone of India’s progress and a beacon of innovation worldwide.

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