Isro and ESA extend space cooperation deal through 2032

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) have extended their long-standing cooperation agreement for a further five years, reinforcing their commitment to deepen collaboration in space science, exploration and emerging technologies.

The agreement was renewed via an exchange of letters signed in Paris on September 10, 2026, on the sidelines of the International Space Summit. The extension keeps the Cooperative Agreement between the two agencies in effect until January 8, 2032.

The original agreement entered into force in January 2002 and has served as the basis for cooperation between ESA and Isro across a broad spectrum of space-related activities.

Over the past two decades, the agencies have worked together on Earth observation, satellite navigation, space science and mission-operations support. Their partnership has also moved further into human exploration, with ESA and Isro signing a Joint Statement of Intent on human exploration last year.

The renewed agreement refreshes the scope of cooperation to match evolving priorities in the global space sector. Newly and explicitly covered areas include space weather, human and robotic exploration, and the sustainability of outer space activities.

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said international cooperation would remain vital as space activities expand beyond Earth orbit and new opportunities arise in exploration, sustainability and advanced technologies.

He said the renewed agreement would enable ESA and Isro to pursue higher ambitions together while delivering benefits to citizens and economies in Europe and India.

Isro Chairman Dr V. Narayanan said the partnership had produced tangible benefits for both India and Europe and underscored the value of international cooperation in advancing space activities.

“The renewal of this agreement reflects the shared ambition of Isro and ESA to drive innovation and scientific progress for the benefit of our societies,” Narayanan said.

The extension comes as India and Europe broaden their goals in human spaceflight, lunar and planetary exploration, Earth observation and space sustainability.

For Isro, the partnership offers opportunities to work with one of the world’s leading space agencies on advanced scientific and technological programmes. For ESA, India is becoming an increasingly significant partner as the global space sector moves toward deeper international collaboration.

The renewed framework is expected to support additional joint initiatives focused on scientific discovery, technological innovation and the sustainable use of outer space through 2032.