ISRO, ESA Extend Cooperation Agreement for Another Five Years
ISRO and ESA broaden their two decade partnership to cover space weather, human and robotic exploration, and sustainable space activities.
NEW DELHI, Sept 22: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have extended their long-standing Cooperative Agreement for another five years, taking its validity until January 8, 2032.
The extension was formalised through an exchange of letters in Paris on September 10, 2026, on the sidelines of the International Space Summit, according to the ESA.
The agreement, which came into force in January 2002, provides a framework for cooperation between the two space agencies across a wide range of activities.
Under the renewed arrangement, the existing areas of collaboration will continue, while the scope has been expanded to include space weather, human and robotic exploration, and the sustainable use of outer space.
ISRO and ESA have previously collaborated on Earth observation, satellite navigation, space science and mission operations support. The two agencies also signed a Joint Statement of Intent on human space exploration cooperation in 2025.
ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan said the partnership has delivered benefits for both India and Europe and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in advancing space activities.
ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said the renewed agreement would support deeper collaboration as space activities expand into exploration, sustainability and advanced technologies.
The extension reinforces the two agencies’ commitment to pursuing joint opportunities in scientific research, technological development and sustainable space activities.
