On the 17th November 2019, The National Space Science Agency (NSSA), represented by H.E. Eng. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Chairman of NSSA, signed a memorandum of understanding with the American Kallman Worldwide Inc., which is specialized in the field of space and aviation.

Represented by Tom Kallman, President and Founder of Worldwide Inc., the signing ceremony was held on the side-lines of the Dubai Air show.  This is in line with NSSA’s efforts to achieve its vision, which was put forth by His Majesty the King, to position the Kingdom of Bahrain among the developed countries in the field of space.

On this occasion, H. E. the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications commented: “We are pleased with concluding this agreement today, where the Kingdom of Bahrain joins the list of countries participating in the Kallman Worldwide Inc. “Astronaut Al Worden Endeavor” program. The program provides scholarships to a selected group of talented students to participate in the annual space camp, which will be held in Alabama State, U.S.A., during the summer of 2021. I, therefore, would also like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to the Kallman Worldwide Inc. for their cooperation and support, and to the executive management of the National Space Science Agency for their great efforts that have resulted in this outstanding cooperation.”

Dr. Mohamed Al Aseeri, CEO of the National Space Science Agency, also stated that the signing of this agreement is in line with NSSA’s diligent efforts in cooperating with various international specialized institutions in developing this prominent sector in the Kingdom, including cooperation with the Kallman Worldwide Inc.

Dr. Al Aseeri further added “This agreement will contribute significantly to motivating students to engage in scientific disciplines. It will also enrich the knowledge of the targeted group of talented and distinguished Bahraini students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics specialties, a matter which is consistent with the strategic goals of NSSA and contributes to achieving its major initiatives.”  He also said that “We look forward to further cooperating with international agencies and institutions to serve the Kingdom of Bahrain on a larger scale.”

Dr. Mohamed also pointed out that this agreement is a fruitful start to open broad horizons for greater cooperation during the coming years, and added that NSSA attaches great importance to education and training in the space sector and its various sciences, which have become an essential part of the future sciences.  This is driven by NSSA’s belief in the importance of this sector and how it will reflect positively on the future of the Kingdom, placing it among the developed countries.

Kallman Worldwide Incorporation’s selection of the Kingdom of Bahrain to be one of the countries participating in this program is based on Bahrain’s distinguished position in the field of education at the regional level. Also, the choice of the National Space Science Agency to be a party to this agreement is built on its merit and eligibility to be a partner to Kallman Worldwide Inc. in the process of selecting distinguished students who meet the requirements of the program.

NSSA is coordinating with relevant authorities to start procedures for selecting those who meet the requirements to represent the Kingdom of Bahrain in this globally leading program.