India – France –  50 Years of Space Co-operation

India and France entered a new phase of bilateral cooperation with the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1947. Over the decades, this partnership has expanded into a strong, multidimensional relationship covering trade and investment, culture, education, science & technology, and especially space cooperation. Among European nations, France today remains India’s oldest and closest partner in space exploration.

Origins of a Historic Partnership

Space cooperation between ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and CNES (French National Space Agency) began in the early 1960s. Exchanges between scientists of both nations laid the foundation of a modest yet visionary collaboration that gradually evolved into a cornerstone of the Indo-French strategic partnership.

The first Indo-French space agreement, signed in May 1964, enabled India to build Belier and Centaure sounding rockets under license, along with the transfer of solid-propulsion technology. Under the guidance of a CNES team headed by Jacques Blamont, around 50 French rockets were built in India and launched from the Thumba Equatorial Launching Station (THES) in Kerala starting in 1965.
Today, ISRO stands as CNES’s second-largest partner after NASA in terms of collaborative activity.

Joint Space Missions: Strengthening Scientific Collaboration

Since the 1990s, ISRO and CNES have intensified cooperation through landmark satellite missions. Two of the most significant Indo-French collaborations are Megha-Tropiques (2011) and SARAL (2013).

Megha-Tropiques Mission (2011)

A Satellite for Studying the Tropical Water Cycle

Launched on 12 October 2011, Megha-Tropiques is a joint satellite mission designed to study the water cycle and energy exchanges in tropical regions. Its objective is to improve understanding of convective systems, their influence on tropical weather, and their role in atmospheric heat and moisture distribution.

Key features include:

• A unique 20° inclined orbit, enabling repeated tropical observations
• Scientific insights into cloud water content, water vapour, precipitation, and evaporation
• Four advanced payloads: one jointly developed by ISRO–CNES, two by ISRO, and one procured from Italy
• Built and launched using ISRO’s PSLV vehicle

This mission aids in refining global climate prediction models and contributes to long-term weather and climate research.

SARAL Mission (2013)

Satellite with ARGOS and ALTIKA for Oceanographic Studies

Launched on 25 February 2013, SARAL is an Indo-French collaborative mission focused on oceanography. It is designed to perform precise altimetric measurements, enabling detailed study of ocean circulation, wave height, and sea surface elevation.

Key features:

• Three payloads: two developed by CNES and one by ISRO
• Satellite and launch vehicle manufactured and operated by ISRO
• Data benefits a wide set of users in fields such as:
  • Marine meteorology and forecasting
  • Climate monitoring
  • Operational oceanography
  • Sea-state analysis
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Continental ice studies
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Maritime security

SARAL data play a vital role in supporting scientific research as well as operational applications worldwide.

A Partnership Built on Trust and Vision

Over five decades, the Indo-French space partnership has grown into a model of international cooperation built on mutual trust, technological exchange, and shared goals. Missions like Megha-Tropiques and SARAL highlight the commitment of both countries to advancing climate and ocean research, with outcomes that not only enhance scientific understanding but also support policy-making, environmental protection, agriculture, and sustainable development.

The collaboration continues to serve as a powerful example of how two nations can jointly harness space technology to address global challenges and improve the lives of millions who depend on Earth’s ecosystems for their livelihood.