ISRO and ESA Extend Space Cooperation Agreement Until 2032
ISRO and the European Space Agency have extended their space cooperation agreement until January 2032, expanding collaboration into exploration, space weather and sustainability.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have extended their space cooperation agreement until January 8, 2032, expanding the framework to cover new areas including space weather, human and robotic exploration and sustainable use of outer space.
The renewed agreement was formalised through an exchange of letters in Paris on September 10, 2026, during the International Space Summit. The original cooperation agreement came into force in January 2002 and has supported collaboration in Earth observation, satellite navigation, space science and mission operations.
The partnership has also expanded into human space exploration, with ISRO and ESA signing a Joint Statement of Intent on human exploration in 2025.
The updated framework reflects changing priorities in the global space sector. Both agencies can now pursue deeper cooperation in space weather research, exploration missions and technologies aimed at improving the long-term sustainability of activities beyond Earth.
ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said international partnerships would remain important as space activities expand into new areas. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said the renewed agreement reflects the shared ambition of both agencies to advance innovation and scientific progress.
The extension comes as India and Europe increase their focus on human spaceflight, lunar and planetary exploration, Earth observation and space sustainability. The agreement is expected to provide a framework for further joint scientific and technological initiatives through 2032.
