The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the United States of America today
signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will serve to catalyze
and significantly deepen cooperation between the two countries in the
field of space. Étienne Schneider, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister of the Economy, signed the MoU for the Grand Duchy. Wilbur
Ross, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, signed for the United States.
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U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy, Etienne Schneider sign memorandum on space co-operation (Photo: Business Wire)
The Memorandum will serve as a vehicle to establish a more formal
dialogue, sharing of expertise and exchange of information between
Luxembourg and the United States. The MoU will promote the continued
growth of their respective space industries through new commercial and
investment opportunities, as well as strengthen policy coordination as
the two countries lead the international community in promoting a
business-friendly regulatory framework. It also aims to strengthen
collaboration by identifying projects of common interest, for example in
the fields of civil space exploration, science, R&D, earth observation,
space situational awareness and communication. Thus, the MoU further
facilitates research, exploration, development, and use of space, not
only by the two countries governments, but also by research institutes
and private sector space companies.
Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy,
Étienne Schneider declared: “The Memorandum offers a platform from
which both Luxembourg and the U.S. can move forward together on
collaborations and projects in space. Similar to the United States, the
Grand Duchy is the first European country to offer a legal framework
recognizing that space resources can be used. The agreement with the
United States is yet another important step forward in enhancing
international cooperation through our SpaceResources.lu initiative.”
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross: “The United States and
Luxembourg share a rich history and a common vision of a future in space
that is overwhelmingly commercial. This Memorandum forms the basis for
increased collaboration across a wide range of space activities,
including research, exploration, defense, and space commerce. It also
allows for partnership on important space problems like regulatory
reform and space debris. As such, it covers the broadest possible range
of space activities to be undertaken by the two countries as an
important next wave of economic growth.”
U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg Randy Evans stated: “This bold
initiative heralds a new chapter in our bilateral relationship. Few
countries are more ambitious than Luxembourg and the United States when
it comes to space. By working together, our space companies, scientists,
and policy experts will experience even greater growth and more
breakthroughs for future generations. It is a tremendous growth area
that will serve as the platform for many important things for years to
come. Together we each do so much more than apart.”
Joint press release by the Luxembourg Ministry of the Economy, the U.S.
Department of Commerce and the U.S. Embassy, Luxembourg.
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