WASHINGTON, July 16,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The
United States and Saudi
Arabia signed a framework agreement that opens new
possibilities for cooperation with NASA in areas such as space
science, exploration, aeronautics, space operations, education, and
Earth science.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson
signed on behalf of the U.S., and CEO of the Saudi Space Agency
Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi signed on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
"Building on my visit to Saudi
Arabia earlier this year, I look forward to strengthening
our cooperation for the future of exploration," said Nelson. "We
are living in the golden era of exploration – one that is rooted in
partnership. This new agreement outlines how we'll work together,
and explore together, for the benefit of humanity."
Known as the "Framework Agreement Between the Government of
the United States of America and
the Government of The Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia on Cooperation in Aeronautics and the Exploration and
Use of Airspace and Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes," it
establishes the overall legal framework to facilitate and
strengthen mutually beneficial collaboration between the two
countries.
"The agreement represents a turning point in the Kingdom's
journey towards building a strong and prosperous space sector,"
said Saudi Space Agency Chairman Abdullah
bin Amer Al-Swaha. "It reflects the Kingdom's firm
commitment to progress and innovation in the field of space, and
its continuous efforts to enhance its position as an important
partner on the global stage for space exploration and scientific
discovery."
The agreement also acknowledges the importance of the Artemis
Accords, which Saudi Arabia
signed in July 2022, for the
transparent, safe, and responsible exploration of space. The
commitments of the Artemis Accords, and efforts by the signatories
to advance implementation of all its principles, support NASA's
Artemis campaign with its partners and other activities of the
accords signatories.
The signing comes two months after Nelson's visit to
Saudi Arabia, where he met with
Saudi Space Agency and other senior officials to discuss future
partnerships and civil space cooperation for the broader U.S. and
Saudi Arabia relationship.
In May 2023, two Saudi mission
specialists, Ali Alqarni and
Rayyanah Barnawi, were among a group of Axiom Mission-2 private
astronauts who launched into orbit aboard a SpaceX Dragon from
NASA's Kennedy Space Center in
Florida, highlighting
international cooperation. The Axiom Space astronauts conducted
scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities aboard the
International Space Station.
For more information about NASA's international partnerships,
visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/oiir
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SOURCE NASA