NASA fosters relationship with Saudi Arabia

William Atkins
Wednesday, 16 December 2009 19:46

Science - Space

The U.S. space agency NASA has signed a joint statement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in order to work together in the areas of lunar and asteroid science research.


According to the December 15, 2009 NASA media release NASA Partners with Saudi Arabia on Moon and Asteroid Research, “NASA and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) have signed a joint statement that allows for collaboration in lunar and asteroid science research."

Specifically, the agreement between the two countries will advance scientific knowledge in the areas of radar and infrared imaging, laser ranging and imaging, and topographical studies.

The statement states that the NASA Lunar Science Institute (NLSI) at the Ames Research Center (in Moffett Field, California) will work as an “affiliate partner” with the Saudi Lunar and Near-Earth Object Science Center.

Find out more about the U.S. Lunar Science Institute at: U.S.’ NLSI.

And, learn more about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) at: Saudi Arabia’s KACST.

H.H. Dr. Turki Bin Saud Bin Mohammed Al-Saud, who is the vice president for Research Institutes, KACST, stated, "This collaboration is within the scope of the Memorandum of Understanding on Science and Technology signed between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America last year and later ratified by the Council of Ministers.” [NASA]

In addition, he stated, "The international interest in lunar science and, more recently, near Earth objects led to the establishment of the Saudi Lunar and Near Earth Object Science Center as a focal point for lunar science and NEO studies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, we are looking forward to our expanding collaboration with NASA for the benefit of both countries." [NASA]

Page two discusses further statements made by leaders of both Saudia Arabia and the United States regarding this new joint partnership.