The agreement was signed during the 76th edition of the International Astronautical Congress on October 2. It is envisioned to promote joint cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space, as well as in space science, technology, and applications.
Teodoro Valente, president of the Italian Space Agency, signed the memorandum of understanding with Mohamed Al Aseeri, chief executive officer of the Bahrain Space Agency.
“The agreement consolidates the collaboration launched in 2020 between the Italian Space Agency and the National Space Science Agency,” according to a statement from the ISA.
“The memorandum of understanding aims to foster capacity-building activities and to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including academic and training opportunities for the staff of both agencies, training programs and specialized education for selected students and researchers, expert exchanges, and the organization of joint symposia, conferences, and seminars.
“The agreement also provides for the exchange of data and information within the framework of joint projects, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
“The operational modalities of the cooperation will be defined through specific implementation agreements in the fields of space science, exploration, law and space policy.”
It’s understood that a similar agreement is being discussed at the International Astronautical Congress between the Polish Space Agency and Japan’s national space organisation’ the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
That agreement, understood to be in discussions currently, could focus on similar space cooperation, research and development, and potentially moon exploration.