The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) does not contract out its software development, according to former ISRO Chief S. Somanath. The requirement for deep integration between science, technology, and applications—which necessitates a thorough understanding of the field—is what motivated this choice. Somanath brought this to light when he spoke about the growth of software product management and development for space programs at the Software Product Management (SPM) Summit hosted by IIM-Bangalore.
He pointed out that all software, whether for mission simulations, data analysis, or satellite operations, is developed internally to guarantee precision, confidentiality, and scientific rigour. For the benefit of governments, scholars, and the general public, ISRO has created sophisticated software systems for climate monitoring tools, disaster management platforms, and geographic data portals. Additionally, Somanath stressed the significance of
He pointed out that all software, whether for mission simulations, data analysis, or satellite operations, is developed internally to guarantee precision, confidentiality, and scientific rigour. For the benefit of governments, scholars, and the general public, ISRO has created sophisticated software systems for climate monitoring tools, disaster management platforms, and geographic data portals. Somanath further underlined how crucial it is to commercialise these technologies in order to promote innovation in India’s many sectors.
In contrast to India’s overall reliance on foreign technologies in certain areas, Somanath’s position underscores ISRO’s larger goal of self-reliance in crucial technologies. There is a big gap in the development of domestic software products and fundamental technology, even with India’s success in providing IT services. In order to solve this, ISRO has created proprietary software solutions like FEAST and CFD tools.
