UAE Space Agency signs agreement with Nasa
Move provides further opportunities for country to utilise space station
The UAE Space Agency and Nasa yesterday signed an Implementing Arrangement yesterday that outlines cooperation across a range of areas related to space exploration and human spaceflight.
The document was signed by Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills, and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, and James Bridenstine, Administrator at Nasa during a ceremony at the 69th International Astronautical Congress, being held in Bremen, Germany between October 1–5.
The IA falls under the overarching Framework Agreement signed between the UAESA and Nasa in June 2016, which established a framework for areas of cooperation in ground-based research, sub-orbital research, research and flight activities in low-Earth orbit (LEO), and human and robotic exploration in the vicinity of the moon, on the lunar surface.
Astronaut training
The new IA enables the training arrangements for UAE astronauts and also provides further opportunities for the UAE to utilise the International Space Station (ISS), and for the UAE Space Agency to contribute to lunar exploration.
“This significant agreement builds on our bilateral relationship with Nasa and the US space sector. It also reflects the deep economic, cultural and diplomatic ties shared between the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates,” said Dr Al Falasi.
He pointed out the UAE’s national space sector has reached a highly advanced stage, particularly with regard to the opportunities and expertise prevalent throughout.