The UK Space Agency and the National Space Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KAZCOSMOS) have today (7 March 2013) signed an agreement outlining cooperation in the area of space activities. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Dr David Parker, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, and Dr. Talgat Mussabayev, Chairman of the National Space Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan, at the DMC and NovaSAR International Conference in London. Proposed collaborative projects include:
* Training of Kazakhstan personnel in the field of satellite engineering and operations
* Facilitating collaboration between UK space company SSTL and organisations within the joint stock company Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary (KGS) in the area of space projects for space science, technology demonstration, communication, navigation and Earth observation.
* Facilitating discussions between KGS and SSTL in relation to ongoing space projects in each organisation.
David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said, “This agreement will see the UK and Kazakhstan working together on space activities with high growth potential, such as communications, navigation and Earth observation. It will foster innovation and encourage greater exchange of information and technology between our countries.”
UK Space Agency
The UK Space Agency is at the heart of UK efforts to explore and benefit from space. It is responsible for all strategic decisions on the UK civil space programme and provides a clear, single voice for UK space ambitions.
The Agency is responsible for ensuring that the UK retains and grows a strategic capability in the space-based systems, technologies, science and applications. It leads the UK’s civil space programme in order to win sustainable economic growth, secure new scientific knowledge and provide benefits to all citizens.
The UK Space Agency:
* Co-ordinates UK civil space activity
* Encourages academic research
* Supports the UK space industry
* Raises the profile of UK space activities at home and abroad
* Increases understanding of space science and its practical benefits
* Inspires our next generation of UK scientists and engineers
* Licences the launch and operation of UK spacecraft
* Promotes co-operation and participation in the European Space programme
Contact
Julia Short
Press Officer
UK Space Agency
Tel: +44 (0)1793 418069
Mobile: +44 (0)7770 276721
Email: julia.short@ukspaceagency.bis.gsi.gov.uk
