India, France Sign Cooperative Space, Satellite Agreements

[Satellite Today 09-30-08] India signed three cooperative agreements with France concerning space and industry-level cooperation with government, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced Sept. 30.
    One agreement involves 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 programs.
    A second agreement involves a memorandum of understanding between the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology of ISRO and Ecole Polytechnique of Paris toward furthering collaboration in academics and research activities involving students and professionals.
    An agreement between the Indian Secretary Department of Space and Astrium enables Astrium to deliver its Earth observation satellites using launch services from ISRO.