The European Union and Russia signed an agreement on Friday to improve cooperation on space activities like satellite communications, future transport systems and developing new technology.
The accord, signed by EU enterprise chief Guenter Verheugen, the head of Russia’s space agency Anatoliy Perminov, and European Space Agency chief Jean-Jacques Dordain, sets up a high level political “space dialogue”.
It also establishes a permanent working group on all aspects of space cooperation.
“It is a major step forward in our cooperation,” Verheugen said. “Working together using existing synergies will make our space policy more effective and will bring considerable benefits for the citizens of the EU.”
The deal will improve collaboration on Earth observation, global navigation, satellite communications, access to space — particularly new transportation systems — and science and exploration using the International Space Station.
The EU and Russia adopted in May 2005 a roadmap for a “common economic space” for reinforced cooperation, including a special section dedicated to space activities.
