23/11/2016 (Agence Europe) – The European Association of Remote Sensing Companies (EARSC) and the Japan Space System (JSS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday 23 November to develop synergies and strengthen cooperation in business, research and technology in the utilisation of Earth Observation (EO) technology. The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation will act as an intermediary support organisation to support activities between the two parties, EARSC says. Use of space data generated by the European Copernicus programme is one of the major challenges for the new European space strategy presented in October (see EUROPE 11540). (PH)