Text of Canada – United Kingdom space agreement available

Dr. Paul Bate, United Kingdom Space Agency and Lisa Campbell, Canasdian Space Agency sign an MOU at the 2021 International Astronautical Congress in Dubai. Credit: Canadian Space Agency.

In late October at the 2021 International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Dubai, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the cooperation in the exploration and use of space for peaceful purposes. The CSA has just provided SpaceQ with a copy of the MOU.

The agreement was one of several the CSA signed during a busy week at the IAC.

The language of the MOU is quite standard for these types of agreements. The areas of cooperation include:

  • Earth observation technologies, data, and data utilization;
  • Space exploration systems and joint missions;
  • Space science, technology and applications including:
    • Position, navigation and timing;
    • Space sustainability and situational awareness;
    • Communications;
    • General enabling technologies for spacecraft and payloads; and
    • Advanced emerging research and development.
  • Space operations;
  • Exchange of personnel;
  • Exchange views on space policy, standards, economics, laws and regulations;
  • Educational activities; and
  • Human capital development in the space field and related areas.

While the CSA did not issue a press release, the UK Space Agency did.

UK Space Agency chief executive, Dr. Paul Bate said “This alliance will bring further significant benefits to the thriving space industries of the UK and Canada, allowing us to achieve our goals in space through collaborative efforts in research and innovation. 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.”

Read or download the CSA -UKSA MOU english version.

Read or download the CSA -UKSA MOU french version.

About Marc Boucher

Boucher is an entrepreneur, writer, editor & publisher. He is the founder of SpaceQ Media Inc. and Executive Vice President, Content of SpaceNews. Boucher has 25+ years working in various roles in the space industry and a total of 30 years as a technology entrepreneur including creating Maple Square, Canada's first internet directory and search engine.

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