Science TechnologySunday, 13 September 2026·The Hindu - Science
ESA and ISRO discuss Gaganyaan, lunar exploration and Venus Orbiter Mission cooperation
ESA and ISRO discussed cooperation on human spaceflight, lunar exploration and India’s Venus Orbiter Mission in Paris.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In September 2026, during the International Space Summit in Paris, the European Space Agency (ESA) and ISRO discussed cooperation on human space flight, lunar exploration and India’s ₹1,236-crore Venus Orbiter Mission.
Key specifics
- ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said he would meet ISRO Chairperson Dr. V. Narayanan in Paris.
- ISRO and ESA have already signed a Technical Implementing Plan (TIP) for Ground Tracking Support for Gaganyaan missions.
- The Gaganyaan project aims to send a crew of 3 members to a 400 km orbit for a 3-day mission.
- India’s Venus Orbiter Mission is scheduled for launch in March 2028, with Earth departure on March 29, 2028.
- The VOM has 19 payloads, including 16 Indian payloads, 2 collaborative payloads and 1 international payload.
Exam lens
Science and space cooperation question, ESA, ISRO, Gaganyaan, 400 km orbit, 3-member crew, Venus Orbiter Mission, March 2028; TNPSC may ask the launch vehicle and payload count.