ISRO-ESA broaden co-operation agreement to include human and robotic exploration

A file photo of ISRO's launch vehicle PSLV-C59 carrying Proba-3 spacecraft of European Space Agency (ESA) lifting off from the launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, in Sriharikota, on December 5, 2024. | Photo Credit: File photo The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), apart from extending its long-standing cooperation agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA), has included space weather along with human and robotic exploration to the package.The heads of the two space agencies — ISRO Chairperson Dr V. Narayanan and ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher — met on the sidelines of the International Space Summit, which was held on September 9-10 in Paris, to sign documents extending their long-standing cooperation agreement for a further five years, until January 8, 2032.“As space activities expand beyond Earth orbit, and new opportunities emerge in exploration, sustainability and advanced technologies, international co-operation remains essential. ESA and ISRO have built a trusted partnership spanning more than two decades, and this renewed agreement positions us to pursue even greater ambitions together while delivering tangible benefits for our citizens and economies. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration in the years ahead,” said ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.ESA said that the cooperative agreement between the two agencies came into effect in January 2002. They have previously worked together on a range of programmes and initiatives spanning Earth observation, satellite navigation, space science, and mission operations support.“The partnership between ISRO and ESA has delivered tangible benefits for India and Europe, and has 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,” Dr. Narayanan said.ISRO and ESA have also recognised the growing importance of the sustainability of outer space activities.On September 9, ESA officials had told The Hindu that the European agency expressed interest in exploring co-operation with ISRO in human space flight, lunar and Venus missions, during a meeting with the Indian delegation at the International Space Summit. Published - September 22, 2026 09:56 am IST