We don't outsource our software, says ex-ISRO chief Somanath

The two-day summit, held on February 28 and March 1, celebrated its 7th edition around the theme 'Software Product Management Excellence at Scale’.

Software development at ISRO has always been an internal responsibility, driven by its own scientists and engineers across domains, from environmental science to physics, computer science, and more, the space agency’s former chief S. Somanath said.

“We don’t outsource these critical software systems because the deep integration between science, technology, and applications requires intimate domain understanding,” he said at the Software Product Management (SPM) Summit held by IIM Bangalore.

The two-day summit, held on February 28 and March 1, celebrated its 7th edition around the theme 'Software Product Management Excellence at Scale’. Somanath elaborated on the evolution of software product management and development for space programs, emphasizing the shift from environmentally focused missions to commercially operated systems.

“Every piece of software, whether for satellite operations, data analysis, or mission simulations, is built in-house to ensure accuracy, security, and scientific rigor. Over the years, we have developed complex software systems for geospatial data portals, disaster management platforms, and climate monitoring tools, all serving governments, researchers, and the public,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by IIM Bangalore.

Reflecting on ISRO’s journey in software product development, Somanath noted that it isn’t just about coding—it’s about translating raw scientific data into actionable intelligence. “Now, we are also focused on commercializing some of these tools, making them available to Indian institutions and industries to foster innovation across sectors,” he added.

Somanath believes that India’s future in space, technology, and sustainable development will be powered by a strong foundation in software excellence, developed at scale and refined through continuous learning and collaboration.