From left: Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, the chair of the UAE Space Agency, hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie, hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and deputy prime minister Étienne Schneider at the signing of the MoU in Abu Dhabi on 10 October Space Resources

From left: Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, the chair of the UAE Space Agency, hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie, hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and deputy prime minister Étienne Schneider at the signing of the MoU in Abu Dhabi on 10 October Space Resources

On Tuesday 10 October, deputy prime minister Étienne Schneider co-signed a memorandum of understanding with Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, the chair of the UAE Space Agency in Abu Dhabi. The document agrees to a bilateral cooperation on space activities, with particular focus on exploration and exploitation of space resources.

Luxembourg created a framework for space resource exploration through the SpaceResources.lu platform. Meanwhile, it is the first European country to offer a legal and regulatory framework surrounding issues of ownership of space resources, authorization and supervision of space missions.

The memorandum of understanding covers the exchange of information and expertise between the two countries in the areas of space science and technology, human capital development and space policy, law and regulation.

Dr Al Falasi said: “The UAE Space Agency recognises the importance of international collaboration in the field of peaceful exploration of outer space, as this field is considered to be part of humankind’s common heritage. It is extremely important in our view for all competent entities in this field to work together towards the common goal of enhancing the welfare of humanity.”