Abu Dhabi: The UAE Space Agency has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the German Aerospace Centre, which defines a framework for collaboration and the exchange of information and expertise in the fields of space science, research, technology, and regulation.
The MoU was signed by Dr Ahmad Abdullah Humaid Bel Houl Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, and Gerd Gruppe, member of the German Aerospace Centre, said a press release issued by the UAE Space Agency on Thursday.
The officials signed the deal during a special ceremony held at the United Nations/UAE High Level Forum on ‘Space as a Driver for Socioeconomic Sustainable Development’, organised jointly by the UAE Space Agency and United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Dubai.
Al Falasi noted that the enhanced cooperation and exchange of scientific and technological expertise with other countries such as Germany was the result of their recognition of the UAE’s ambitious and successful National Space Programme and highly successful space industry. He further underlined that such cooperation benefits the entire international space sector, as the whole industry works together for the betterment of humankind.
Al Falasi also highlighted that the MoU with the German Aerospace Centre would allow UAE space companies and educational institutions to benefit from Germany’s excellence in remote sensing and earth observation, thanks to its lengthy cooperation with European entities in space exploration and research and development.
The UAE Space Agency has signed more than 20 MoUs to date with distinguished international and regional space agencies and space related organisations. These cover all aspects of the space sector — from the peaceful exploration of outer space to space science, technology and regulation.
