In the cooperation with Spacehab, HE Space Operations is adding a new dimension to a familiar business area. HE Space Operations works in the utilisation and commercialisation of microgravity research on the Internal Space Station, development of experiments for microgravity research, and mission operations of unmanned microgravity research missions.

Together, Spacehab and HE Space Operations can provide end-to-end services to customers wanting to perform research under microgravity conditions. "This gives us an excellent opportunity to apply our knowledge and networks to a new product" says Scott Millican, CEO of HE Space Operations.

Through the representation agreement, the companies commit to work together on European space initiatives addressing government and commercial customers. The arrangement establishes HE Space Operations as a European-registered entity representing Spacehab in offering commercial space access on European, United States, Russian and other space vehicles. This agreement is expected to increase Spacehab's business opportunities throughout Europe.

Spacehab and HE Space Operations have also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding regarding numerous areas of mutual interest. Benefits include an enhanced global exposure of Spacehab's extensive engineering and operations core competencies (e.g. payload processing, mission integration, and human factors), as well as increased access to Spacehab-provided research flight opportunities.

"This strategic alliance will create opportunities for Spacehab to provide commercial space access to a broad range of government, industry and academic institutions eager to engage in space-based research, technology development and industrial processing," said Michael E. Bain, Spacehab Chief Operating Officer.

"HE Space Operations will help us open European markets to Spacehab commercial space services including spacecraft design and development, payload integration and operations, human spaceflight mission operations, as well as turn-key commercial space access on Russia's Soyuz and Progress, the European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle and Spacehab's own commercial carrier, Apex."

Similarly, a cooperative relationship with Spacehab enables HE Space Operations to better leverage their opportunities within the European Space Agency and other government and private sector space initiatives. HE Space Operations seeks to expand their proven and highly successful business model of providing senior technical personnel to government and private sector organizations in support of space research and operations activities.

"This partnership positions Spacehab and HE Space Operations to synergistically leverage their respective, and often complementary, core competencies," stated Scott Millican, HE Space Operations Chief Executive Officer. "Both companies also increase their business opportunities within the European space community."

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