The UAE Space Agency has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) to create a strategic space partnership between the two entities.
Signed by Khalifa Mohammed Al Rumaithi, chairman of the UAE Space Agency, and Igor Komarov, general director of ROSCOSMOS, the MoU allows for extensive cooperation in space policy, human capital development and training, as well as in future development, ground station operations support, and general awareness.
Both sides discussed ways of mutual cooperation in the fields of governmental and industrial space, partnership between the UAE and Russian space sectors, and mutual cooperation in space exploration, in line with both countries’ ambitions.
They also discussed the exchange of scientific data and information, an exchange of personnel and training of specialists.
“The UAE Space Agency in line with its strategic framework is keen is learn and develop on what other space programmes have achieved in space exploration, which will lead to knowledge transfer of space technologies to the country” said Al Rumaithi.
“The meeting aimed to develop ways of cooperation between the UAE and the Russian programmes in the space industry and space exploration.”
Dr Mohammad Nasser Al Ahbabi, director general of the UAE Space Agency added: “The MoU complements the outstanding relationship between the space sectors in both countries and supports the development of a partnership in several fields and activities. It will also allow for knowledge transfer to national cadres, and benefiting of the Russian Space Agency’s expertise, especially in space technology and specialist training.”
The agency’s first task is to press ahead with sending the UAE’s ‘Hope Probe’ mission to Mars by 2021, which is timed to coincide with the UAE’s 50th anniversary of the union of the emirates.
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