A delegation from the United Nations-affiliated Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (RCSSTEAP) visited Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 12 to 19, 2025. The delegation, comprising GNSS Programme Lead Prof. Yang Dongkai, Assoc. Prof. Jin Tian, Dr. Xiu Chundi, and Ms. Sun Zeyi, aimed to expand the Centre's cooperative network in West Asia and the Middle East, and to advance international collaboration in Beidou/GNSS education, training, and research.
From November 12 to 15, the delegation attended the 7th Middle East and Africa Regional IAU Meeting (MEARIM 7) in Amman and visited the University of Jordan. As the host of the UN-affiliated Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education for West Asia, Jordan has maintained close ties with RCSSTEAP, having jointly delivered a series of short-term training programs in space applications that have benefited nearly 1,000 participants from over 20 Arab League member states.
The delegation was received by the Acting President of the University of Jordan. Discussions focused on space science education, talent development, and cooperation in Beidou applications. The two parties reached important consensus on establishing a Beidou Application Joint Laboratory, jointly applying for research projects, and enhancing student training programs, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
From November 15 to 19, the delegation visited the University of Sharjah in the UAE. Against the backdrop of the UAE's ongoing advancement of a knowledge-based economy centered on information technology, the demand for talent in space science and related technologies is growing steadily. This visit laid a solid foundation for future collaboration in Beidou international education and capacity-building across the Middle East.
In meetings with the College of Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, both sides explored potential cooperation in CubeSats, GNSS applications, space AI, GIS and remote sensing, lunar rover payloads, planetary science, and astrophysics. They prepared a draft cooperation agreement and exchanged focal points for each technical area.
Agreed initiatives include establishing a Beidou Application Joint Laboratory, joint supervision of graduate and doctoral students, co-organizing short-term training programs, and hosting hybrid academic workshops. Outstanding students from the University of Sharjah will be encouraged to apply for scholarship programs at Beihang University and RCSSTEAP. An online lecture is planned for late 2025, with reciprocal visits scheduled for spring 2026.
This mission represents a significant step in implementing Beihang University's internationalization strategy and deepening space education cooperation along the Belt and Road. By strengthening partnerships with leading institutions in Jordan and the UAE, RCSSTEAP has expanded its footprint in West Asia and the Middle East, advanced Beidou/GNSS international training and talent development, and further enhanced the global profile of both Beihang University and the Centre.
