The United Arab Emirates is set to bankroll a number of space exploration projects by NASA, including a manned landing on Mars set for 2035.

The United States and the UAE have announced an agreement that will allow the two states to collaborate on matters of space and aeronautics research, including voyages to Mars in support of the UAE's own Mars landing project and NASA's manned landing program.

Like Us on Facebook

NASA and the UAE Space Agency (UAESA) formalized cooperation in the exploration of Mars as the start of their partnership by signing an implementing arrangement under the framework. The implementing arrangement establishes a joint steering group that will guide discussions about potential future projects that contribute to exploring Mars.

The UAE's agreement with NASA is also expected to explore the use of airspace and outer space for peaceful purposes.

"NASA is leading an ambitious journey to Mars that includes partnerships with the private sector and many international partners," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden.

"I am confident this new framework agreement with the UAE Space Agency will help advance this journey, as well as other endeavors in the peaceful exploration of outer space."

But other reports say NASA is concerned it won't have the money to support its future manned space programs. NASA's financial woes are no secret, and the agency is also engaged in a battle with the U.S. House of Representatives that wants it to return to the Moon and forego its cherished asteroid landing project as a prelude to a Mars landing.

The Obama Administration's new federal budget submitted last February proposes to cut NASA's fiscal year 2017 Budget to $19 billion, $300 million less than its current budget. The deepest budget cuts will hit NASA's deep space exploration programs despite an overall increase in the federal budget.

Without sufficient and reliable funding for NASA's space exploration programs, NASA fears America's leadership in space and science will be in irrevocable decline. The deal with the UAE could be a life saver for NASA. Bolden, however, disputes NASA went hat in hand to the UAE.

"I'm not going around because we're trying to push our way into anybody's house. We're going because people are asking us to come," he said.

There has been no word on the amount of funding the UAE is prepared to commit in support of NASA's space exploration programs.

UAESA plans to launch an unmanned probe to Mars by 2021, making it the first Arab country to send a probe to the Red Planet.

"The reason why cooperation and collaboration are important to the UAESA is because we believe that working alongside international partners is the best way to accelerate the development of space technologies and the space sector within the UAE," said UAE Space Agency Chairman Dr. Khalifa Al Romaithi.

"This agreement opens the door to the creation of a wide range of mutually beneficial programs and activities involving numerous organizations within the UAE and the USA."

TagsUnited Arab Emirates, NASA, Mars, UAE Space Agency, Dr. Khalifa Al Romaithi