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The Saudi Space Agency (SPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) to strengthen collaboration in biotechnology under microgravity conditions, astronaut health, education, and scientific research, in support of national priorities and to build sustainable human capabilities.
The MoU was signed by Acting CEO of the Saudi Space Agency Dr Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi and Royal Court Advisor and CEO of KFSHRC Dr Majid Al-Fayyadh, in the presence of senior officials from both sides at the hospital’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The MoU stipulates developing a joint framework for cooperation to establish a strategic partnership between the two sides in astronaut health and biotechnology, and forming specialised teams to identify priority projects and their implementation mechanisms.
It also includes supporting and advancing scientific and innovative research in health and biotechnology under microgravity conditions, enabling the translation of research outputs into practical applications, and cooperating on astronaut healthcare programs covering medical services before, during, and after space missions, as part of the agency’s efforts to empower scientific research and enhance innovation in vital fields.
As part of its “Saudi Journey to Space” mission, SPA has conducted advanced experiments in stem cell research, cardiovascular studies, and neurological and brain research under microgravity conditions, reflecting its commitment to building quality partnerships with leading national scientific and medical institutions and strengthening the Kingdom’s presence in space-related life sciences.