September 30, 2008  

India and France have been partners in progress in the field of space technology for several decades. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the French National Space Agency CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales) have been pursuing co-operative programmes successfully since 1993, under which joint satellite missions like Megha-Tropiques and SARAL have been taken up to study the atmosphere and the oceans. In addition, many commercial and collaborative activities, specifically in the launch services area, space applications and academics are being pursued with France.

During the visit of Honourable Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, to France in September 2008, India has signed the following three agreements with France in the field of space addressing Government level, academic and industry-level cooperation.

1. A Framework Agreement on cooperation between the two governments in the field of exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes such as joint research and development activities, instrumentation for satellites, development of small satellites, study of weather and climate change using earth observation satellites and the development of ground infrastructure for satellite programmes.

2. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indian Institute of Space science and Technology (IIST) of ISRO and Ecole Polytechnique (EP) at Paris towards furthering collaboration in academics and research activities involving students and professionals.

3. An Agreement signed by Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, Chairman, ISRO/Antrix and Secretary Department of Space and Mr. Francois Auque, C.E.O. of Astrium, that enables Astrium of offer attractive solutions in the international markets for in-orbit delivery of its earth observation satellites using the PSLV launch services from Antrix/ISRO. During the past 5 years, both companies have been successfully cooperating in the field of space activities, as evidenced by the award of two telecommunication satellite contracts, W2M for Eutelsat and HYLAS for Avanti Systems.

These agreements are expected to boost the relationship between the two countries in the area of space and encourage further cooperation.

Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) is the French Government Agency responsible for shaping and implementing France’s space policy in Europe. Founded in 1961, its important task is to guarantee France’s independent access to space. CNES is an important player in European space programme and is closely involved in many international cooperation programmes as well.

Ecole Polytechnique (EP) is a “Grande Ecole” multi-disciplinary institution of excellence in France offering advanced undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes in Fundamental and Applied Sciences and in Engineering. It is the oldest and most prestigious academic institute of Science and Technology in France with established network of international academic institutions, has close links with the Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES) and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in carrying out advanced research in the areas of Aerospace Engineering and Sciences.

Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2007, Astrium had a turnover of ?3.5 billion and had 12,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment and its wholly owned subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of ?39.1 billion and employed a workforce of more than 116,000.