Israeli space company SpaceIL has signed a cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates to carry out a joint mission to the moon scheduled for 2024, according to Technion UK.
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This mission, called Beresheet 2 in reference to the Book of Genesis, is an additional step in the many collaborations set up between the two countries following the signing of the Abraham Accords.
It will be the second attempt by the Jewish state to land a space module on the moon, after the failure of the previous Beresheet mission.
SpaceIL called the Beresheet 2 mission "the first science and technology project to create a common history between the two peoples, with the flags of Israel and the Emirates together on the moon."
The space company added that it is "to create a model of cooperation in many aspects – technological, scientific and educational – intended to deepen the bond between the countries, and to serve as an inspiration for further cooperation between Israel and all Arab countries."
"Our company is committed to promoting science, as well as regional peace through cooperation with peace-loving and space-seeking countries," said SpaceIL CEO Shimon Sarid.
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The Beresheet 2 mission, expected to cost $100 million, will send the smallest spacecraft ever into space, according to Technion UK, which said one of the orbiters would remain in space for five years to allow the pursuit of scientific work.
Students from the United Arab Emirates and Israel will participate in a project aimed at identifying the exact time of the new moon, based on information collected during the mission.
i24NEWS contributed to this report.
