Nasa

Nasa has signed a contract with the UAE to jointly work in the fields of aeronautics research, along with the exploration and use of airspace and outer space.

The deal includes cooperation and collaboration in space science, operational Earth observation and science, aeronautics, space operations and exploration, education, technology, safety and mission assurance, and other areas.

Under the deal, both the US and UAE will continue to recognise more areas of mutual interest for possible future joint ventures and activities such as joint use of aircraft, scientific instruments aboard spacecraft and ground-based research facilities.

The possible joint activities also include spacecraft and space research platforms, as well as ground-based antennas for tracking, telemetry, and data acquisition.

Nasa administrator Charles Bolden said: "Nasa is leading an ambitious journey to Mars that includes partnerships with the private sector and many international partners.

"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."

Both the US and UAE also aim to create and implement education and public outreach programmes and joint workshops in order to assist the exchange of scientific data, scientists and engineers, as well as views and experiences on relevant regulatory frameworks and standards.

"I believe our two agencies will collaborate for years to come through a common interest in aeronautics, exploration and discovery."

UAE Space Agency chairman Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi said: "The reason why cooperation and collaboration are important to the UAESA is because we believe that working alongside international partners is the best way to accelerate the development of space technologies and the space sector within the UAE.

"The space sector serves as a catalysts for economic development and diversification, creating job opportunities and enabling scientists and engineers to become leaders of an industry that can bring huge benefits to our daily lives."

Both Nasa and the UAE Space Agency also signed an implementing arrangement to formalise their cooperation in the exploration of Mars as the first field of collaboration.

The implementing arrangement has set up a joint steering group to support discussions about potential future projects in regards to the exploration of Mars.

Image: Nasa administrator Charles Bolden and UAE Space Agency chairman Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi formalised and signed the agreement in Abu Dhabi. Photo: courtesy of Nasa.