ISRO, ESA Join Hands for Human Spaceflight Advancements

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a landmark agreement to enhance collaboration in human space exploration. This partnership aims to foster astronaut training, mission implementation, and joint research experiments. Signed by ISRO Chairman S. Somanath and ESA Director General Dr. Josef Aschbacher, the agreement establishes a robust framework for cooperation, strengthening the relationship between the two premier space agencies.

Details of the Agreement

Focus areas include

• Astronaut Training: Development of joint training programs for astronauts.
• Experiment Development: Collaborative support for experiment integration, including use of ESA facilities on the International Space Station (ISS).
• Research Collaboration: Human and biomedical experiments, physiological studies, and technology demonstrations.
• Outreach Initiatives: Joint educational and public engagement activities.

Axiom-4 Mission Collaboration

• The Axiom-4 mission will include ISRO’s Gaganyatri astronaut and an ESA astronaut.
• Joint experiments for the ISS proposed by Indian Principal Investigators will be implemented.
• Focus on ESA’s human physiological studies and technology demonstrations.

Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)

• ISRO plans to develop the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) to enhance interoperability between human spaceflight platforms.

Leadership Remarks

• S. Somanath: Highlighted ISRO’s roadmap for human spaceflight and the importance of BAS.
• Dr. Josef Aschbacher: Expressed appreciation for ISRO’s efforts and reaffirmed ESA’s commitment to cooperation.

Future Prospects

• Leadership emphasized the significance of continuing collaborative efforts in future human spaceflight missions.