UAE, Nasa ink agreement to explore Mars, outer space

Abu Dhabi - The two countries will continue to identify additional areas of mutual interest for possible future cooperative programmes or joint activities on Earth, in airspace, or in outer space.

The UAE has signed an agreement with NASA, which will open avenues of cooperation in exploring Mars, aeronautics research, use of airspace and outer space for peaceful purposes.
NASA and the UAE Space Agency also formalised cooperation in the exploration of Mars as the first field of collaboration between them by signing an Implementing Arrangement under the framework.
The Implementing Arrangement establishes a joint steering group to guide discussions about potential future projects that contribute to exploring the Red Planet.
UAE Space Agency chairman Dr. Khalifa Al Romaithi and NASA administrator Charles Bolden formalised and signed the agreement at a meeting in the capital.
The agreement covers cooperation and collaboration in space science, operational earth observation and earth science, aeronautics, space operations and exploration, education, technology, safety and mission assurance, and other areas with potential benefits to both nations.
The two countries will continue to identify additional areas of mutual interest for possible future cooperative programmes or joint activities on Earth, in airspace, or in outer space.
These activities may include the joint use of aircraft, scientific instruments aboard spacecraft, ground-based research facilities, spacecraft and space research platforms, as well as ground-based antennas for tracking, telemetry and data acquisition.
Additionally, the two countries will aim to collaborate on the creation and implementation of education and public outreach programmes and joint workshops, with the goal of facilitating the exchange of scientific data, scientists, engineers and views and experiences on relevant regulatory frameworks and standards.
"Since its founding, the UAE Space Agency has been emphasising the importance of cooperating and collaborating with international partners in the fields of space science and the peaceful exploration of outer space. This agreement opens the door to the creation of a wide range of mutually beneficial programs and activities involving numerous organizations within the UAE and the USA," said Al Romaithi.
Both parties recognise the mutual benefit to be gained from working together in the exploration and peaceful use of outer space, and this agreement facilitates and strengthens the long-standing relationship between the United States and UAE.
"NASA is leading an ambitious journey to Mars that includes partnerships with the private sector and many international partners," said Bolden.
"I am confident this new framework agreement with the UAE Space Agency will help advance this journey, as well as other endeavors in the peaceful exploration of outer space."
Already, technical experts from our two countries are engaged in discussions on several areas of mutual interest, and I believe our two agencies will collaborate for years to come through a common interest in aeronautics, exploration and discovery."
haseeb@khaleejtimes.com