Isro and European Space Agency extend space cooperation agreement until 2032

Isro and the European Space Agency have extended their cooperation agreement until January 2032. The renewed framework broadens collaboration to exploration, space weather and sustainable outer space activities.Isro and ESA chiefs sign agreement to extend space cooperation. (Photo: ESA)The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) have extended their long-standing cooperation agreement for another five years, reaffirming their commitment to expanding collaboration across space science, exploration and emerging technologies.The agreement was renewed through an exchange of letters signed in Paris on September 10, 2026, on the sidelines of the International Space Summit. The extension will keep the Cooperative Agreement between the two agencies in force until January 8, 2032.The original agreement came into force in January 2002 and has provided a framework for cooperation between ESA and Isro across a wide range of space activities.Over the past two decades, the two agencies have collaborated on Earth observation, satellite navigation, space science and mission operations support. Their partnership has also expanded towards human exploration, with ESA and Isro signing a Joint Statement of Intent on human exploration last year. The renewed agreement updates the scope of cooperation to reflect changing priorities in the global space sector. New areas now explicitly covered include space weather, human and robotic exploration and the sustainability of outer space activities. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said international cooperation would remain essential as space activities expand beyond Earth orbit and new opportunities emerge in exploration, sustainability and advanced technologies.He said the renewed agreement would allow ESA and Isro to pursue greater ambitions together while delivering benefits to citizens and economies in Europe and India.Isro Chairman Dr V. Narayanan said the partnership had delivered tangible benefits for both India and Europe and demonstrated the value of international cooperation in advancing space activities.“The renewal of this agreement reflects the shared ambition of Isro and ESA to pursue innovation and scientific progress for the benefit of our societies,” Narayanan said.The extension comes as both India and Europe expand their ambitions in human spaceflight, lunar and planetary exploration, Earth observation and space sustainability.For Isro, the partnership provides opportunities to work with one of the world's major space agencies on advanced scientific and technological programmes. For ESA, India represents an increasingly important partner as the global space sector moves towards greater international collaboration.The renewed framework is expected to support further joint initiatives aimed at scientific discovery, technological innovation and the sustainable use of outer space through 2032.- EndsPublished By: Sibu Kumar TripathiPublished On: Sep 22, 2026 11:05 IST