Science TechnologyWednesday, 11 March 2026·The Hindu
ISRO and ESA sign Earth-observation pact to support FLEX, Chandrayaan and Aditya missions
ISRO and ESA signed an agreement on March 4 to deepen Earth-observation cooperation.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 4 March 2026, ISRO and the European Space Agency (ESA) signed a virtual agreement to strengthen cooperation in Earth observation missions, with M. Ganesh Pillai and Simonetta Cheli as signatories.
Key specifics
- The partnership between ISRO and ESA began in 1978.
- The pact covers joint calibration, validation activities and scientific studies for Earth observation.
- A major focus is the Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX) mission.
- The collaboration also includes ground station support for Chandrayaan and Aditya missions.
- Deep-space communications are also part of the cooperation framework.
Exam lens
Science and technology current affairs, 1978 partnership, FLEX mission, Chandrayaan and Aditya support are the key facts; TNPSC may ask the date of signing and the names of the agencies.