At the world’s largest space conference, the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), currently taking place in Dubai (25-29 October 2021), representatives from the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and United Kingdom Space Agency (UKSA) took the opportunity to formally sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the benefit of both countries’ citizenry.

The MoU forges a framework for collaborative activities that include and is not limited to; sharing satellites and data for Earth observation purposes, collaboration on space applications addressing climate change, fostering research partnerships in space science and technology, with a special focus on space weather), connecting and supporting local space businesses and providing national space infrastructure development support as required.

The two Agencies have in the past been involved in some space projects, and the MoU serves to formalise and enhance the opportunities for a strengthened partnership that benefits all stakeholders in the space value chain.

“Global partnerships are necessary for the sustainability and success of space programmes, and SANSA appreciates and commits to exploring opportunities to contribute towards this mutually beneficial collaboration with our colleagues in the UK,” said Dr Val Munsami, SANSA’s CEO.

“This partnership will increase the sharing of knowledge, talent, research and innovation between the UK and South Africa, with all the scientific and commercial opportunities this brings. Space is an effective tool in the fight against climate change, and, as we approach COP26, we must work across borders to reach our shared goal of achieving net-zero by 2050. As set out in the UK’s National Space Strategy, we are committed to strengthening our international relationships and building the UK’s reputation as a partner of choice in space activities,” said Dr Paul Bate, UKSA’s CEO.