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 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 to enhance cooperation in space and its technologies.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Space Commission, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Sawaha signed the MoU on behalf of SSC, while from the UK side the MoU was signed by the UK Minister of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy - Member of the British Parliament - Dr. Kwasi Kwarteng.
The MOU 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 Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
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 Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Kingdom's endeavor to develop the space sector and its technologies.
The MoU resembles the two sides' keenness to continue cooperation in various fields and sectors and 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 July 2021, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Space Commission (SSC) Eng. Abdullah Amer Al-Sawaha met in Riyadh with the Deputy Chief Executive for Program Delivery at UK Space Agency, Ian Annett.
The meeting attended by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Space Commission Dr. Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Tamimi, was part of efforts to consolidate and build strategic partnerships between the two countries and develop human capabilities in the space sector.
They also discussed means of promoting cooperation in building space sciences and relevant policies, applications, laws, regulations and related human resources.
The Saudi Space Commission (SSC) was established by the royal order in December of 2018. This bold step serves a future that is innovative and looks forward to the latest technologies and opportunities in the Saudi Space Industry.
With the Kingdom moving towards a progressive quality of life, SSC demonstrates the aligned vision of creating better, secure environments for its citizens while actively enabling prospects of lucrative economic and monetary inventions.
The Saudi Space Commission (SSC) has strategized to create primary objectives that serve national security interests against space related risks and encourage cumulative growth and advancement.
Founded in 2010, the UK Space Agency delivers key elements of the Government’s National Space Strategy.
