ISRO-ESA Cooperation Agreement Extended to 2032 with New Exploration and Sustainability Focus

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have renewed their long-standing Cooperative Agreement for a further five years, keeping it in force until January 8, 2032. Signed through an exchange of letters in Paris on September 10, 2026 during the International Space Summit, the updated framework adds three explicit areas: space-weather monitoring, human and robotic exploration, and the sustainability of outer-space activities. Existing collaboration on Earth observation, satellite navigation, space science and mission-operations support continues unchanged.

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The original agreement entered into effect in January 2002, establishing a trusted partnership that has spanned more than two decades. Over that period the agencies have jointly pursued programmes ranging from remote-sensing satellites to navigation services and scientific missions. A Joint Statement of Intent on human exploration was signed in 2025, laying groundwork for the newly emphasized exploration activities.

Isro and European Space Agency extend space cooperation agreement until 2032

• September 9-10, 2026 – International Space Summit in Paris, where ISRO Chairperson Dr V. Narayanan and ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher met and signed the renewal letters.

The Hindu

• January 8, 2032 – Scheduled end date of the extended Cooperative Agreement.

ESA, Isro extend cooperation, broaden scope to include human and robotic exploration

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher emphasized that as space activities move beyond Earth orbit, “international cooperation remains essential” and that the renewed pact will enable both agencies to pursue greater ambitions while delivering benefits to European and Indian citizens. ISRO Chairperson Dr V. Narayanan highlighted the tangible advantages the partnership has already yielded for India and Europe and described the renewal as a reflection of shared ambition to drive innovation and scientific progress for societal benefit.

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• “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, ISRO chairperson

The Hindu

• “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, ISRO chairperson

Isro and European Space Agency extend space cooperation agreement until 2032