UAE Space Agency joins International Space Exploration Coordination Group

Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Space Agency has become the first Arab country to gain membership into the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) after receiving the approving votes from the organisation’s committee.

As part of the requirements to be accepted into the ISECG, the UAE’s Space Agency had to demonstrate that it had the required skilled human resources and experience to join the international organisation among other qualified space agencies from around the world.

Dr Khalifa Al Rumaithi, Chairman of the UAE’s Space Agency, was positive on securing the membership and said it represented an important step for the UAE’s Space Agency. He also explained that international cooperation between space agencies was vital and in line with the UAE’s goals.

The UAE’s Space Agency’s participation in the ISECG will also have positive benefits for its own planned Mars mission, with the international organisation providing important expertise and collaboration for the project.

Dr Mohammad Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director-General for the UAE space Agency, said the membership showed that the UAE’s Space Agency was moving forward and that it was receiving international recognition for its efforts.