UAE to explore usage of aluminium in space

Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre delegation, led by Director-General Salem Al Marri, visited Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to explore potential collaboration in research and using EGA's UAE-made aluminium in space.

Since the first satellite launch in 1957, aluminium has been the leading material in spaceflight. Given the attributes of aluminium alloys to function under extreme stress, pressure, and low temperatures, aluminium's role as the metal of choice for spacecraft and their components remains second to none.

Al-Marri was received at EGA's Jebel Ali site in Dubai by Chief Executive Officer Abdulnasser bin Kalban and the company's leading technologists. The delegation toured EGA's state-of-the-art research and development facilities, Casthouse and laboratories.

The two discussed potential future synergies, including using 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.

EGA and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre have conducted respective visits to one another's facilities and have worked closely together in hosting a series of webinar talks focusing on the role of innovation in space exploration and the aluminium industry.

For the decades ahead, EGA aims to be a technology pathfinder for the global aluminium industry, including in the adoption of Industry 4.0, expand the company's position as a technology supplier of choice, and establish a thriving manufacturing innovation ecosystem in the UAE.