UAE to modernise world's first spaceport used for orbital and human launch

WAM

UAE, Russia and Kazakhstan are joining forces to modernise the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world’s first spaceport for orbital and human launches.

The agreement was signed and announced at the Dubai International Airshow by the UAE Space Agency, the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry.

The agreement lays down a framework to establish closer cooperation and collaboration in all space-related endeavours, including the ambitious bid to modernize the Gagarin Start launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome that Kazakhstan leases to Russia.

A legal framework will be developed to carry out joint activities at the spaceport. This includes provisions to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to develop the launch site further.

“The combination of expertise, experience and shared resources will accelerate progress towards a more competitive global space economy,” said Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, the UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency.

Termed Gagarin Start, the launchpad is named after the Soviet-era cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who became the first human to journey into outer space in 1961.

It will encourage the promotion of peaceful space exploration, sharing knowledge, expertise and establishing new ties.

This announcement comes only weeks after the UAE Space Agency and Roscosmos pledged to promote outer space for peaceful purposes, after a meeting at EXPO 2020 Dubai.

Meanwhile, the UAE and Kazakhstan signed a strategic economic partnership in October to develop long-term strategic projects worth more than USD6 billion in energy, agri-industrial, transport, logistics, pharmaceutical and financial sectors.

More from UAE News

  • UAE sends search and rescue team to Myanmar

    The UAE has urgently dispatched a search and rescue team, comprising members from Abu Dhabi Police, the National Guard, and the Joint Operations Command, to support efforts to save people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar.

  • UAE fuel prices announced for April

    Motorists in the UAE will enjoy reduced fuel prices in April, the UAE Fuel Price Committee confirmed on Monday.

  • New Syrian government welcomed by UAE

    The UAE has welcomed the formation of the new Syrian government, and affirmed its support for the Syrian people’s aspirations towards achieving stability and prosperity.

  • Umm Al Quwain Ruler's mother passes away

    His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, has mourned the death of his mother Sheikha Hassa bint Hamid bin Abdulrahman Al-Shamsi.

Coming Up

  • Dubai 92 Chilled

    10:00pm - Midnight

  • Dubai 92 Chilled

    Midnight - 1:00am