Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre signs MoU with KARI for cooperation on space-related activities
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) in South Korea with the goal of cooperating on various space-related activities and transferring expertize. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of MBRSC and Dr. Gwang-Rae Cho, president of KARI.
Commenting on the signing of the MoU, H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General of MBRSC, stressed the importance of the close relationship between MBRSC and KARI. He also referred to the knowledge transfer programme with MBRSC’s strategic partner Satrec Initiative, which started back in 2006 with the launch of the first ever UAE satellite project DubaiSat-1.
“This MoU provides a concrete basis for the ongoing cooperation and partnership between the UAE and South Korea with respect to transferring the know-how of space technology, within coherent frameworks that will boost the UAE’s position in this regard, especially knowing that South Korea currently has a high profile with its notable achievements in the world space society,” Al Shaibani added.
For his part, Dr. Gwang-Rae Cho, president of KARI, said: “Considering the importance of international collaboration in space development, the signing of this MoU between KARI and MBRSC is all the more meaningful as it will facilitate both implementing organizations in working together more effectively under the common goal of strengthening capacities in the space sector.”
About MBRSC:
MBRSC is a Dubai Government entity which aims to promote scientific innovation and technology advancement in Dubai and the UAE. The Centre works on research projects and studies related to space science, in line with the approach of the United Arab Emirates, in its quest to develop the sector and build national academic skills through it.
Among the most prominent tasks entrusted to the Centre are the design, implementation, and supervision of all phases of launching the “Hope Probe” to explore Mars. The Centre is also responsible for all projects related to satellite technology and applications and specialized projects, and advanced technical projects assigned to stakeholders. Also, the Centre provides space imaging and earth station services and support to other satellite services.
In 2009, MBRSC launched “DubaiSat-1” into space, the first remote sensing satellite. In 2013, the second satellite “DubaiSat-2” was launched, while work is underway to launch the third satellite “KhalifaSat”, which is being built purely by Emirati engineering and expertise in the UAE.
