Buzz Aldrin, the scientist who was the second person to walk on the moon, has made a historic visit to the headquarters of Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST).

He visited the ground station of DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2 satellites, which provide high-quality satellite images for environmental projects, urban planning, infrastructure and scientific research in the UAE.

Aldrin and his accompanying delegation were welcomed by a number of senior executives in EIAST, who gave a detailed explanation of the UAE’s research initiatives and space projects, primarily KhalifaSat project, the country’s  first fully Emirati-built satellite.

During his visit, Aldrin looked into EIAST’s achievements in consolidating the culture of scientific research and technological innovation as well as in providing the necessary infrastructure to position the UAE as a leading hub for manufacturing satellites. He also praised the efforts undertaken by EIAST to employ space technology in advancing social and economic development.

Yousuf Al Shaibani, director general, EIAST, expressed his pleasure to welcome one of the most prominent space figures in the world.

“The visit of the second astronaut to walk on moon prompts us to continue with our hard work to realise our ambitious vision centered on achieving a comprehensive scientific renaissance under the supervision of local talents. This will enable us to enhance the competitiveness of the UAE and bring it at par with the ranks of the most prominent international centres in the field of space industry and scientific and technological research aligned with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,” said Al Shaibani. - TradeArabia News Service