ISRO and ESA have signed an agreement to collaborate on human space exploration and research activities.

Science and Technology | Dated: 27 Dec 2024

In December 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) signed an agreement to work together on astronaut training, mission implementation, and research experiments in space.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The agreement was signed by Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space (DoS), and Dr. Josef Aschbacher, Director General (DG) of ESA.
  • - The agreement establishes a collaborative framework for joint efforts in astronaut training, developing and integrating experiments, utilizing ESA’s facilities on the International Space Station (ISS), conducting biomedical and human research experiments, and organizing joint educational and outreach programs.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) For the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, ISRO and ESA are collaborating on experiments selected by Indian Principal Investigators, with the mission featuring ISRO’s Gaganyatri astronaut and an ESA astronaut as part of the crew.
  • (ii) Additionally, both agencies are collaborating on ESA's technology tests, human physiological studies, and educational outreach projects.
  • (iii) Leaders from ISRO and ESA have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and continuing joint efforts in human space exploration.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which two organizations have Recently signed an agreement to collaborate on human space exploration and research activities?

Correct Answer: ISRO and ESA

🚀 Quick Recap:

About ISRO

  • Founder: Vikram Sarabhai
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru