China, Egypt sign space exploration pacts

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - China and Egypt signed cooperation agreements Wednesday to advance efforts in deep space exploration, spacecraft development and the construction of space infrastructure.

Zhang Kejian, director of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), and Sherif Sedky, Chief Executive Officer of the Egyptian Space Agency (EGSA), signed a memorandum of understanding in Beijing on space cooperation and the peaceful use of outer space, the Global Times daily reported.

Additionally, they signed a cooperation agreement between the CNSA and EGSA specifically focused on the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).

The two agencies will “encourage joint research and development cooperation in a variety of areas including lunar and deep space exploration, the development and launch of spacecraft, construction of space infrastructure, satellite data reception and application, the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation, space science and astronomical observation,” the Global Times reported.

On Monday, Egypt sent the remote sensing satellite MISRSAT-2 into orbit via the Chinese Long March-2C carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China.

“The MISRSAT-2 is a landmark project of deep cooperation between China and Egypt in the field of aerospace high-tech and is of milestone significance in aerospace cooperation between the two countries,” said the China National Space Administration.