The Saudi Space Commission (SSC) and the UK Space Agency have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space, official sources have said.
This is expected to help the countries enhance cooperation in space and its technologies.
The deal is apparently aimed at providing 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.
SSC’s Board of Directors Chairman Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha signed the MoU with the UK’s Minister of State for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy Kwasi Kwarteng.
The MoU reportedly aims to develop bilateral cooperation in building capabilities in space science and engineering and to enhance the role of scientific missions and manned flight programs, in addition to developing cooperation in Earth observation, space application data, and manufacturing and launching satellites.
The signing of this memorandum comes within the framework of SSC’s efforts to localize technologies and industries and the sustainability of qualitative space systems in the kingdom, as per the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 and its endeavor to develop the space sector and its technologies.