During an official two-day visit by the United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAESA) to South Australia, between February 14-15, the Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Australian Space Agency. The MoU aims to promote the exchange of best practices, knowledge sharing and enhance cooperation and collaboration between both parties in support of space research and technology.
The MoU was signed on February 14, 2019, at the Australian Space Agency in Adelaide, Australia, by HE Dr Eng Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, and Anthony Murfett, Deputy Head of the Australian Space Agency. The signing was attended by senior officials from the UAE and Australian space agencies.
Commenting on the MoU signing, HE Dr Eng Al Ahbabi said: “This agreement builds on the longstanding bilateral relationship between the UAE and Australia, and we are delighted to be working with the Australian Space Agency with whom we share much in common including a passion for space and the vision of becoming important players in the international space community. We are firm believers in the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in space, in line with our mission and vision of becoming a leading spacefaring nation and contributing to the betterment of humankind.”
Anthony Murfett, Deputy Head of the Australian Space Agency, said the signing of the agreement represents the continuing journey of the Australian Space Agency to grow its space industry partnering with likeminded spacefaring countries.
“Nothing inspires our next generation quite like space. Working with key partners who are exploring new fields on Earth using nanotechnology and telemedicine and new frontiers in our galaxy will help to develop our future space industry and boost the kinds of jobs available today,” said Murfett.
The Agency’s visit to South Australia also included the graduation ceremony for the eighth batch of students to complete the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Programme (SH-SSP). Four UAE nationals specialising in the space sector successfully graduated from the SH-SSP under the guidance and sponsorship of the UAE Space Agency. The students, who graduated with merit, include: Hamda Al Hosani, Lolowa Al Kindi, Mohamed Al Karbi, and Abduallah Al Dhaheri.
Speaking about the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Programme’s graduation ceremony, HE Dr Eng Al Ahbabi said: “As a UAE National and a representative of the UAE Space Agency, I am proud to have had the opportunity to attend the graduation ceremony of the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program, and witness the graduation of Hamda, Lolowa, Mohamed, and Abduallah. I hope that their success and achievements inspire other talented UAE Nationals to enter the space sector and work for the benefit of the UAE and humanity.”
The SH-SSP is an intensive five-week program in Adelaide, Australia, which strives to develop students experience in the space industry. The program is jointly organised by the International Space University (ISU), a non-profit university headquartered in Strasbourg France, and the University of South Australia, where the eighth programme was held from January 14 to February 15 at the University of South Australia – Mawson Lakes Campus.
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