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  • April 2017 (Revised July 2017)
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ISRO: Explore Space or Exploit CubeSats?

By: Prithwiraj Choudhury, Tarun Khanna, Karim Lakhani and Rachna Tahilyani
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:18
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Abstract

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) achieved global acclaim by launching successful missions to the moon and Mars at a fraction of the cost of prior Western missions. It is now faced with an important strategic dilemma—whether to continue exploring deep space in collaboration with NASA and other leading agencies, whether to leverage its infrastructure for societal uses, or whether to exploit a commercial opportunity related to launching small, handheld cubesats. The case explores the basis for ISRO’s cost advantage vis-à-vis western entities, as well as its resource constraints and human capital considerations as it makes this important strategic choice for the future.

Keywords

Strategic Planning; Decision Choices and Conditions; Aerospace Industry; India

Citation

Choudhury, Prithwiraj, Tarun Khanna, Karim Lakhani, and Rachna Tahilyani. "ISRO: Explore Space or Exploit CubeSats?" Harvard Business School Case 617-062, April 2017. (Revised July 2017.)
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About The Authors

Prithwiraj Choudhury

Technology and Operations Management
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Tarun Khanna

Strategy
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Karim R. Lakhani

Technology and Operations Management
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Related Work

    • April 2017 (Revised July 2017)
    • Faculty Research

    ISRO: Explore Space or Exploit CubeSats?

    By: Prithwiraj Choudhury, Tarun Khanna, Karim Lakhani and Rachna Tahilyani
    • March 2018
    • Faculty Research

    ISRO: Explore Space or Exploit CubeSats?

    By: Prithwiraj Choudhury
Related Work
  • ISRO: Explore Space or Exploit CubeSats? By: Prithwiraj Choudhury, Tarun Khanna, Karim Lakhani and Rachna Tahilyani
  • ISRO: Explore Space or Exploit CubeSats? By: Prithwiraj Choudhury
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