March 07, 2026

On 4^th March 2026, Scientific Secretary, ISRO and Director, Earth Observation Programme, ESA have jointly signed Agreement on “ ESA-ISRO Arrangement concerning Joint Calibration and Validation Activities and Scientific Studies for Earth Observation Missions “ in a virtual meeting mode. Event highlights strength of the long-term cooperation in place since 1978 and subsequent renewal in 2002 between two globally significant space research organisations. Signing ceremony was marked by the spirited remarks from the dignitaries regarding the legacy as well as upcoming opportunities rendered possible by research and exploration platforms. Accomplishments in the field of EO, navigation, ground station support as well as human space flight were also referred.

Ms. Simonetta Cheli, Director, EO, ESA emphasized the timeliness of the arrangement, especially in the light of upcoming and innovative sensor FLEX, meant to understand the vegetation biology better as well as the need of setting up calibration and validation campaigns for subsequent valorisation. Shri. M Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary, ISRO recalled the multi-themed cooperation with ESA in terms of ground station support for Chandrayaan, Aditya missions, support from ISRO’s Deep Space Antenna, Joint Statement of intent for Human Spaceflight, including discussion between Chairman, ISRO and DG, ESA and India-EU space Dialogue at Brussels. He reflected on how upcoming missions will go a long way in helping Planet as well as People and need for working closely in future and commended the contribution of ISRO members from EDPO, OIIC, Section-X,DOS for realising the agreement.