Sharjah University partners with Kazakh firm for space research

The University of Sharjah has signed a cooperation agreement with Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary Company for space technology and systems located in Astana, Kazakhstan. It is one of the largest national companies in Kazakhstan specialised in Earth remote sensing.

H.E Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, signed the agreement along with Aidyn Aimbetov, Cosmonaut and Vice President of Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary.

The aim of the agreement is to cooperate on research and learn how to use space for peaceful purposes, while developing and applying space technology to support the economic development, scientific research, safety, and community development of the emirate.

The Kazakh company aims to do this by providing space images and remote sensing data in the UAE through its satellites KazEOSat-1 and KazEOSat-2. This is in exchange for providing services in terms of data processing from the Kazakh satellites. The agreement will also see cooperation on student training as well as exchange programmes, where scientists and researchers will move between Sharjah and Kazakhstan to learn more.

Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, attended the signing along with Prof. Majid Merabti, Dean of the College of Sciences; Prof. Abdul-Kadir Hamid, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering; Dr. Tarek Merabtene, Director of the Office of International Relations; Dr. Ilias Fernini, Deputy General Director for the Sharjah Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences’ Research Laboratories and Observatory; Mr. Khalid Al Raboy, Director of Public Relations and Acting Deputy General Director for SCASS’ for Financial and Administrative Affairs; and Mr. Marwan Shwaiki, Deputy General Director for SCASS’ Planetarium and Exhibitions.

During the meeting, the Chancellor of the University gave a brief introduction of the University of Sharjah since its establishment by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University. He spoke at length about the Sharjah Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences (SCASS) and its contribution to the educational process and scientific research at the University and the surrounding community.

Aimbetov lauded the Sharjah Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences for its exceptional facilities, provided a brief about the space sector in Kazakhstan, and concluded by expressing a desire to establish future cooperation with SCASS.