JEDDAH: Saudi engineers and researchers have completed work on a payload for a Chinese space vehicle that will explore the moon, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The joint exploration is in line with a memorandum of understanding concluded between China and Saudi Arabia during King Salman's visit to Beijing in mid-March 2017, the SPA said, quoting Prince Turki bin Saud bin Mohammed, president of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).
The joint venture intends to study and explore the moon, "particularly the invisible side of it to provide scientific data for researchers and specialist in space research and science."
As agreed upon by the KACST and the Chinese Space Agency, the Saudi side will build a payload for a space sensory system for use in filming and take photos of the moon.
"The payload was readied in a record time of no more than 12 months during which the Saudi research team faced numerous challenges, most prominent of which was the importance of manufacturing a compact payload with a high capacity of less than 10.5 cu.cm and a weight of no more than 630 grams on the Chinese satellite," the KACST head said.
The payload consists of photographic and data processing units, among others, that is not only light in weight but also able to endure the space environment.
The equipment is capable of taking photos from different angles and altitudes that varies according to the lunar orbit changes, Prince Turki was quoted by the SPA as saying.
"Saudi Arabia's taking part in this great event would boost, no doubt, its efforts to develop its satellite technologies and use it in several fields of reconnaissance and distance censoring as well as space telecommunications, in addition to proceeding with the march of catching the world race in this field," he said.
Saudi team develops payload for use in joint lunar exploration with Chinese Space Agency
Saudi team develops payload for use in joint lunar exploration with Chinese Space Agency
- The joint exploration is in line with a memorandum of understanding concluded between China and Saudi Arabia during King Salman's visit to Beijing in mid-March 2017,
- Under the agreement, the Saudi side will build a payload for a space censoring system for use in filming and take photos of the moon.
8 NGOs join Saudi Arabia’s national vegetation drive
- The center continues to promote collaboration across sectors to expand environmental awareness and advance sustainability goals through knowledge exchange
RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has signed memoranda of understanding with several nonprofit environmental associations to strengthen partnerships with the nonprofit sector in advancing national goals for environmental sustainability.
The MoUs were signed with eight associations: Al-Nakaa Association, Lavender Society, Darb Hiking Trails and Walking Trips Association, Hail Agriculture Development Association, Yanbu Environmental Association, Rifaq Environment Association (Hail), Aghsan Environmental Association, and Pristine Future Environment Association.
The center said cooperation with the nonprofit sector enhances volunteer and community initiatives and maximizes environmental and social impact across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The agreements are part of a broader cooperation framework covering afforestation and land rehabilitation projects, nature-based tourism support, expertise exchange, capacity building through training, and community environmental awareness.
The center continues to promote collaboration across sectors to expand environmental awareness and advance sustainability goals through knowledge exchange, coordinated community efforts, joint outreach programs, and initiatives supporting national environmental objectives.
