A delegation from the UAE Space Agency met with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden on the sidelines of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), held last week in Guadalajara, Mexico
The delegation is being headed by H.E. Dr. Khalifa Mohammed Al Romaithi, Chairman of UAE Space Agency, who spoke with the NASA Administrator on a number of topics, including the Memorandum of Understanding that the pair signed in June 2016. The significant agreement, which was formalized at the UAE Space Agency’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, includes clauses of cooperation for the ‘Hope Probe’ to Mars that is scheduled for launch in 2020.
The two agency leaders also discussed the UAE’s recent success in being welcomed to the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), which organizes the congress in collaboration with the International Institute of Space Law. Al Romaithi and Bolden addressed the challenges, opportunities and positive impact surrounding the UAE’s efforts to join international space sector bodies.
Commenting on the occasion, Dr Al Romaithi said: “It has been a great pleasure to reconnect with Charles Bolden following our cooperation agreement earlier this year. These agreements are not one-off signing ceremonies, but are lasting and sustainable partnerships that outline collaboration in a number of areas.”
He continued: “Our participation in the International Astronautical Congress is yet another realization of the UAE Space Agency’s strategic framework to expand and enhance internationals collaboration and partnerships. In doing so, we are able to contribute to, and learn from, space exploration experiences. These efforts also represent an important aspect of our nation’s bilateral international relations.”
The IAC runs from September 26 to 30, during which time the UAE Space Agency will engage with many of the most prominent actors, agencies and organizations in the global space sector and related industries.