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UAE’s EGA, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre explore use of aluminium in space

The two parties discussed potential future synergies, including the use of EGA metal by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre

by Zainab Mansoor

May 20, 2022

UAE’s Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) are exploring potential collaboration in research and the use of the latter’s UAE-made aluminium in space.

MBRSC’s director general Salem Al Marri, led a delegation to EGA for the same. The contingent toured EGA’s research and development facilities, Casthouse and laboratories.

The two parties discussed potential future synergies, including the use of EGA metal by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in constructing its next spacecraft, the sharing of laboratory capabilities, high-end machinery and fabrication facilities, and material sourcing, official news agency WAM reported.

A delegation from MBRSC, led by H.E. @Salem_HAlMarri, Director General, visited Emirates Global Aluminium to discuss potential research collaborations and the use of EGA’s UAE-made aluminium in developing space missions. pic.twitter.com/dycvZwu9P2

— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) May 20, 2022

Chief executive officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, Abdulnasser bin Kalban, said, “We look forward to close cooperation with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre as the UAE’s aluminium industry contributes to our nation’s space ambitions. Aluminium is lightweight, strong, and infinitely recyclable and has been a key material in the aerospace sector since the dawn of flight. I look forward to EGA’s UAE-made low carbon metal leaving our planet as part of UAE-made spacecraft.”

MBRSC’s director general Salem Al Marri, stated, “I am thankful for the opportunity to visit one of the UAE’s most innovative industrial companies. Through EGA, the UAE is a major global producer of aluminium, a metal essential for space exploration. We look forward to potential future collaboration opportunities with EGA and to prepare new generations of Emirati engineers, experts, and researchers on the UAE’s space sector’s future strategic, sustainable, and scientific achievements.”

Aluminium’s role as the metal of choice for spacecraft and their components remains second to none, given the attributes of its alloys to function under extreme stress, pressure and low temperatures.

Also read: Salem AlMarri appointed director general of UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre