March 2018
Teaching Note
HBS Case Collection

ISRO: Explore Space or Exploit CubeSats?

Format:Print
| Language:English
| Pages:13

Abstract

ISRO, India’s space agency, established to address domestic challenges with space technology, is one of the six largest space agencies in the world. Through its 59 missions, ISRO has launched numerous satellites for communication, disaster management, navigation, scientific exploration, and other diverse purposes. Its commercial arm, Antrix Corporation, which launches satellites for both domestic and international customers, has 0.6% of the global space launch market. However, there is increasing demand for satellite launches from both the Indian government and commercial organizations. Unfortunately, ISRO can neither manufacture the required number of launch vehicles to support the huge demand for its services nor can it launch them. In light of these constraints, what should ISRO prioritize? How should we think of this question in light of the theory of exploration-exploitation? What kind of human capital resources should it develop? What processes need to be strengthened? What external collaborations need to be fostered? Teaching Note for HBS No. 617-062.