The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on September 12 approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and South Africa on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes.
Government statement revealed that the MoU was signed in Johannesburg on 26 July 2018.
The areas of cooperation under this MoU include:
Remote sensing of the earth;
Space science and planetary exploration;
Use of spacecraft, launch vehicles, space systems, and ground systems;
Satellite communication and satellite-based navigation;
Practical applications of space technology including geospatial tools and techniques; and
Other areas of cooperation to be determined by the Parties.
The cooperation under the MoU will be carried out in the form of planning and implementation of joint space projects of mutual benefit and interest; establishment, operation and maintenance of ground stations for supporting space activities; sharing of satellite data, results of experiments, and scientific and technological information; joint research and developmental activities; exchange of technical and scientific personnel designated to participate in the cooperative programs; Capacity building in space science and technology, and space application programs for societal purposes and organization of joint symposia, conferences and scientific meetings.
The major benefit of signing the MoU is to increase the cooperation in potential areas such as space science, technology and applications, including remote sensing of the earth, satellite communication and satellite-based navigation; space science and planetary exploration; use of spacecraft and space systems and ground systems; and application of space technology.
