Founding Members

The founding members of the World Space Association NPIO are the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Herbert Smith Freehills, and elseco:

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is a Governmental entity established within the Emirate of Dubai with the aim of promoting scientific innovation and technological advancement. In line with the approach of the UAE, the MBRSC works on missions and conducts research on space science and technology in its quest to develop the sector and build national skills. With over 200 employees, the Centre is also responsible for specialised and advanced technical projects. In addition to operating the DubaiSat 1 and 2 and Khalifasat satellites, the MBRSC provides space imaging and ground station services and support to other satellite services providers.

Herbert Smith Freehills is one of the world's leading law firms. The international office locations, strength and breadth of expertise in carrying out cross border and international work and examples of representative clients has seen Herbert Smith Freehills being ranked as one of the top five global elite firms by Law360's 2018 Global 20 list - The Global 20 Leading Law Firms Comparison Table. With over 3,000 lawyers operating from an international network of 27 offices in 20 jurisdictions, HSF advises many of the biggest and most ambitious organisations. With offices spanning the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and the US, HSF is able to deliver whatever expertise clients need, wherever in the world they may require it. For over a decade the firm has been based in the DIFC acting as the hub of its operations in the UAE and the wider region. The reputation of HSF as one of the world’s leading international commercial law firms and involvement in landmark matters is based on an unrivalled network of experienced practitioners, advanced knowledge management systems and relationships with key advisers, regulators and opinion leaders across many industries.

elseco limited is a high technology specialty insurance underwriting platform. More than 70 insurance and reinsurance companies including Lloyd’s syndicates currently trade on the platform in the lines of Space, Aviation and Energy. With the holding company based in the United Kingdom, the elseco group has regulated offices in Dubai, London, Paris, Zurich and Washington DC. elseco provides the only operational full cycle insurance trading platform via its Atom™ technology platform, ranging from policy entry, risk management (leveraging big data analytics), CRM and portfolio management, to e-commerce, pricing analysis, accounting, compliance, HR and reporting. Having started in 2006, elseco prides itself on being different by design, delivering an intelligent approach to risk management, sophisticated risk analysis and “Made for Purpose” underwriting solutions.