Why in News?
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and European Space Agency (ESA) signed a new cooperation agreement for Earth observation missions.
ISRO also successfully launched Europe’s Proba‑3 mission, strengthening India–Europe space collaboration.
New ISRO–ESA Agreement:
The agreement titled “ESA–ISRO Arrangement concerning Joint Calibration and Validation Activities and Scientific Studies for Earth Observation Missions.”
Focus Areas:
Joint calibration and validation campaigns.
Scientific studies for Earth observation missions.
Improving accuracy and reliability of satellite data.
Background of ISRO–ESA Partnership:
Cooperation between ISRO and ESA began in 1978.
The partnership was renewed in 2002.
Areas of Cooperation:
Earth observation programmes
Satellite navigation
Ground station support
Human spaceflight collaboration
Deep-space communication support
ESA has supported Indian missions such as:
Chandrayaan programme
Aditya‑L1
Upcoming Mission Linked to the Agreement:
The collaboration is important for ESA’s Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX).
About FLEX:
Designed to study vegetation fluorescence.
Helps understand plant photosynthesis and ecosystem health.
Improves global monitoring of climate and vegetation dynamics.
Proba-3 Mission Launch:
Proba‑3 mission is a European satellite mission launched by ISRO.
Satellites were placed in the designated orbit about 20 minutes after launch.
Demonstrates India’s growing role in international space missions.
Key Features of Proba-3:
The mission consists of two satellites:
Coronagraph – about 310 kg
Occulter – about 240 kg
Mission Objective:
Study the Sun’s outer atmosphere (Corona).
Understand space weather and solar activity.
Significance:
Strengthens India–Europe cooperation in space science.
Enhances Earth observation research and satellite data accuracy.
Demonstrates ISRO’s capability in launching and supporting international space missions.
UPSC - 2027 - Prelims cum Mains - Foundation Course / Batch Starts on 15-04-2026 
