UAE launches new Asteroid Belt Exploration Project

Abu Dhabi: With the start of the “UAE Asteroid Belt Exploration Project,” the UAE has announced another significant milestone in its space exploration program.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the enormous project during a ceremony in Qasr al Watan in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid announced the project on Twitter, writing, “Thank to Allah, we have launched at Qasr al Watan the scientific details of one of our most important projects in the field of space.”

The project is slated to last 13 years, of which 6 years are to be used for development and 7 years for exploration. The Emirati MBR Explorer will travel five billion kilometers beyond Mars during this time to examine seven asteroids, with a landing on the final asteroid scheduled for 2034.

The UAE Asteroid Belt Exploration Project is an innovative global research and knowledge program in addition to a substantial national scientific endeavor.

It outlines intentions to launch private Emirati businesses that specialize in space technology, construct a Ground Control Center for deep space missions, and train new Emirati cadres for this expanding industry.

The scope of the project is 10 times greater than that of the ‘Hope Probe’ mission, demonstrating the UAE’s enthusiasm for space exploration. The UAE youth’s motto is “nothing is impossible,” as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid emphasized the nation’s faith in its youth and their capabilities in the statement: “The UAE can fly far into space for five billion kilometers for one reason: it believes in its youth and empowers its children. Those who do not believe in the abilities of our ambitious Emirati youth in all sectors need to rethink of themselves and rethink of their love and loyalty to their homeland.”