The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have jointly signed an agreement on ‘ESA-ISRO Arrangement concerning Joint Calibration and Validation Activities and Scientific Studies for Earth Observation Missions’.

The agreement was signed on March 4 by M. Ganesh Pillai, scientific secretary, ISRO, and Simonetta Cheli, director, Earth Observation Programme, ESA, in a virtual meeting mode.

ISRO said that this event highlights the strength of the long-term cooperation in place since 1978 and subsequent renewal in 2002 between two globally significant space research organisations.

The signing ceremony was marked by 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 Earth Observation, navigation, ground station support as well as human space flight were also referred to.

Ms. Cheli emphasised 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.

Mr Pillai 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 the planet as well as people and the need for working closely in future and commended the contribution of ISRO members from EDPO, OIIC, Section-X,DOS for realising the agreement.