Publications
Publications
- April 2017 (Revised July 2017)
- HBS Case Collection
ISRO: Explore Space or Exploit CubeSats?
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
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.)