In June 1986 the ESA Council adopted a resolution for the creation of the optional programme called PRODEX (PROgramme de Développement d'Expériences scientifiques).

The PRODEX Programme was created at a time several ESA Member States were limited in the funding of experiments and instruments for ESA missions desired by universities and other scientific institutions. Furthermore, PRODEX has the advantage of being able to expand ESA's sphere of operations since it is also available to non-Member States, thereby attracting the interest and support of other countries, especially those with which ESA has entered into cooperation agreements.

The PRODEX Programme Office fulfils the role of coordinating experiment development and awarding industrial contracts.