Context:

• Recently the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and South Africa on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes. The MoU was signed in Johannesburg on 26th July 2018.

Salient Features:

The areas of cooperation under this MoU are the following:

1. Remote sensing of the earth;
2. Satellite communication and satellite-based navigation;
3. Space science and planetary exploration;
4. Use of spacecraft, launch vehicles, space systems and ground systems;
5. Practical applications of space technology including geospatial tools and techniques; and
6. Other areas of cooperation to be determined by the Parties.

The Cooperation under this MoU shall be carried out in the following forms:

1. Planning and implementation of joint space projects of mutual benefit and interest;
2. Establishment, operation and maintenance of ground stations for supporting space activities;
3. Sharing of satellite data, results of experiments, and scientific and technological information;
4. Joint research and developmental activities;
5. Exchange of technical and scientific personnel designated to participate in the cooperative programmes;
6. Capacity building in space science and technology, and space application programmes for societal purposes;
7. Organization of joint symposia, conferences and scientific meetings; and
8. Additional forms of cooperation will be determined in writing upon mutual consent between the Parties.

Benefits:

• Signing of this MoU shall enable pursuing the potential areas of cooperation 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.

Source:PIB