Saudi SSC, UK Space Agency sign MoU for the peaceful use of Outer Space

Space shuttle
Representational Image
By Arya M Nair, Official Reporter
  • Follow author on

The Saudi Space Commission (SSC) and the UK Space Agency have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the peaceful use of the outer space.

The MoU will provide a framework for cooperation in space activities, reviewing areas of common interest in the peaceful uses of space, and facilitating the exchange of information, technologies, and individuals working in related fields on both sides to enhance cooperation in space and its technologies.

It was signed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the SSC, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha and the UK Minister of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Member of the British Parliament, Dr. Kwasi Kwarteng.

The MoU aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in space research and engineering, and to enhance the role of scientific missions and manned flight programs, as well as cooperation in Earth observation, space application data, and manufacturing and launching satellites.

This is part of SSC’s efforts to localize technologies and industries and the sustainability of qualitative space systems in the country, as outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s efforts to expand the space sector and related technologies.

The agreement reflects the two sides’ keenness to continue cooperation in various fields and sectors that will contribute to strengthening the role of the economic and technical space sector and the status of the two sides at the regional and international levels.

In 2021, SSC and UK discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the field of the space economy by encouraging private sector participation.

Related: SpaceChain forays into UAE to explore ME’s space-as-a-service capabilities