The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a new agreement to collaborate on joint calibration, validation activities and scientific studies for Earth observation missions, further strengthening their long-standing partnership in space research.
In a statement issued on Saturday, ISRO said the arrangement titled: “ESA-ISRO Arrangement concerning Joint Calibration and Validation Activities and Scientific Studies for Earth Observation Missions”, was signed virtually on March 4.
The agreement was signed by ISRO Scientific Secretary M. Ganesh Pillai and ESA Director for Earth Observation Simonetta Cheli.
According to the Bengaluru-based space agency, the collaboration aims to support scientific studies, calibration campaigns and data validation efforts for upcoming Earth observation missions of both agencies. These activities are essential to ensure the accuracy and reliability of satellite data used for environmental monitoring, climate research and disaster management.
The new arrangement builds upon decades of cooperation between the two agencies. ISRO noted that its partnership with ESA dates back to 1978, and the collaboration framework was renewed in 2002, enabling joint work in several space-related domains.
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Cheli highlighted the importance of the collaboration in the context of future missions, particularly ESA’s Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX) mission. The FLEX satellite is designed to study vegetation fluorescence, which helps scientists better understand plant health and ecosystem productivity.
She said the partnership with ISRO would play a crucial role in improving the scientific understanding of vegetation biology and monitoring environmental changes from space.
Pillai emphasised that cooperation between ISRO and ESA extends well beyond Earth observation missions. The two agencies have worked together in areas such as satellite navigation, ground station support and human spaceflight cooperation.
He also acknowledged ESA’s support for several Indian space missions, including Chandrayaan and Aditya-L1, as well as collaborative activities involving ISRO’s deep space antenna facilities.
ISRO said the latest agreement is expected to expand opportunities for joint scientific research and collaborative observation campaigns, enhancing the ability of both agencies to study Earth’s ecosystems, climate patterns and environmental changes using satellite data.
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