DUBAI: The UAE has announced a new space mission that will send the Rashid 2 Rover to explore the far side of the moon. The mission will launch in 2026 as part of the Emirates Lunar Mission under the UAE’s National Space Programme.
The mission was revealed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), during a signing ceremony with Firefly Aerospace. The US company will provide the Blue Ghost lander to carry the rover to the moon, supported by the Elytra Dark orbital vehicle.
The Rashid 2 Rover will be part of Blue Ghost Mission 2, which will also carry payloads from Australia, the European Space Agency (ESA), and NASA. This mission marks the UAE’s first attempt to explore the moon’s far side—a region with rough terrain and communication challenges.
Sheikh Hamdan said the UAE’s goal is not just to explore space but also to gain knowledge that benefits all humanity. “We aim to build a strong space industry that supports global partnerships and helps grow science and innovation in the UAE,” he said.
The rover will carry cameras and tools to study lunar soil, temperature, and the moon’s surface. One test will look at how different materials hold up against moon dust. These findings could help in building better spacesuits, habitats, and equipment for future missions.
The mission is also a big step in the UAE’s plan to become a key player in space exploration. Leaders at MBRSC say the mission will help train young Emiratis and strengthen the UAE’s position in global science and research.
