22 February 2017
Director of China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) Wang Zhaoyao and the President of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) Roberto Battiston signed an frame-work agreement on cooperation in the area of human space flight activities. The signature ceremony in Beijing was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
The agreement is asking for the set-up of a Joint Cooperation Committee which will meet at least once a year to establish the modalities of the partnership, aiming at access to scientific data, joint scientific publications, exchange of staff and joint participation in technical reviews on human flight. "Space is a new Silk Road without boundaries, and international cooperation is a key element, both from a scientific point of view and from that of technological development," said ASI President Roberto Battiston. "This agreement is important for the European and international scientific community in preparation for future missions of human exploration of the solar system. Only a common wealth of knowledge can make us move forward with success in space exploration."
MORE (in Chinese)...