The UAE space agency has sent a delegation to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) in order to discuss cooperation and building of a strategic partnership between the two bodies. This visit comes a few months after the Arab country announced that it would be launching its first ever unmanned Mars probe by 2021. Named Hope, the vehicle will be shot off into the red planet’s orbit to study its weather and atmospheric conditions.
Chairman of the UAE space agency, Khalifa Al Rumaithi, and Director-General Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, are heading the delegation. ISRO’s work in the field boasts of a fantastic record so far. The launch of the Mars orbiter Mangalyaan made India the only nation in the world to execute a successful mission to the planet on its first attempt. With the realization of the Chandrayaan-1 mission in November 2008, it also became the fourth country in the world to place its flag on the Moon.
Apart from being able to claim fantastic satellite launching capabilities, India also offers a bunch of valuable services in the sector, reports PTI. On July 10 this year, ISRO sent 5 British satellites off into space. It has also joined hands with US’ NASA over deep space exploration. It’s no wonder that the UAE has been taking notes from ISRO and chewing over a partnership which will involve exchange of knowledge among other initiatives.
Also see: ISRO announces that it will launch five British satellites on July 10
The visitors from the UAE have been given a tour of the ISRO Satellite Assembly and Testing Center which is the hub for checking spacecrafts before their launch. The delegation also made a detailed presentation highlighting the Arab nation’s objectives, initiatives and programs for the space sector.