The Saudi Space Agency signed Friday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Axiom Space, a leading company in the field of developing manned spaceflights, to cooperate in the fields of space and its technologies in general, and to support microgravity research in space in particular.

The MoU was signed by CEO of the Saudi Space Agency Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi and the CEO of Axiom Space Michael Suffredini (photo), in the presence of the Minister of Communications and Information Technology of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, who heads the Saudi delegation of the digital economy, space and innovation system, during his official visit to the United States of America, in order to deepen partnerships in areas related to technology, space and innovation.

One of the most prominent areas of work for this MoU is studying the establishment of a space mission control center in Saudi Arabia, which will contribute to the development of technologies and facilities related to the follow-up of space missions and scientific and educational experiments in a microgravity environment.

The MoU will also contribute to supporting research in low earth orbit, in an effort to develop space industries in Saudi Arabia and supporting international research and development activities in this field.

The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sierra Space, a US leading company in the field of space technologies, to exchange knowledge, skills and experiences and develop national capabilities and competencies in the space sector and its technologies.

The MoU affirms the Agency’s commitment to expanding its global partnerships in the area of space, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. It was signed by SSA CEO Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, and Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the SSA Abdullah bin Amer Al-Sawaha.

With this MoU and other memorandums and agreements concluded with US parties specialised in space and its exploration, the SSA seeks to share its aspirations, develop and create specialised training programmes for students and employees, which contributes to the growth of the local and global space sector, and to build a sustainable future driven by innovation.