The UAE is set to send the Rashid 2 Rover to explore the far side of the Moon in 2026. This mission marks a significant milestone in the nation’s growing role in space exploration. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), witnessed the signing of a strategic agreement with Firefly Aerospace at Emirates Towers.
Under this agreement, Firefly Aerospace will provide the lunar lander to deploy Rashid 2 aboard its Blue Ghost lander, which will be stacked on the Elytra Dark orbital vehicle. The mission, called Blue Ghost Mission 2, will also carry payloads from Australia, the European Space Agency (ESA), and NASA.
A Vision for Innovation and Global Collaboration
Sheikh Hamdan said, “The UAE’s mission to the Moon’s far side places us among a select group of nations advancing lunar exploration.” He added, “Our goal extends beyond reaching new frontiers; we aim to generate meaningful knowledge for humanity.”
He emphasised that the partnership with Firefly Aerospace aligns with the UAE’s strategy to foster international collaborations. “We are committed to building a sustainable space ecosystem that promotes innovation and global knowledge exchange,” Sheikh Hamdan explained. “Missions like this strengthen our leadership in the global space sector.”
Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, praised the UAE leadership’s unwavering support. “This mission demonstrates our ability to turn visionary goals into reality,” he said. “It also highlights the UAE’s growing role in shaping global space exploration and scientific discovery.”
Scientific Goals and Technological Innovation
MBRSC Chairman Hamad Obaid AlMansoori described the agreement as a reflection of the UAE’s commitment to scientific advancement and global partnerships. “The Emirates Lunar Mission aims to deepen humanity’s understanding of the Moon and prepare for future lunar infrastructure and deep space projects,” he said.
Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace, expressed excitement over the collaboration. “Following our successful first lunar mission, we look forward to working with the UAE on this groundbreaking project. Our Blue Ghost and Elytra spacecraft enable unique access to lunar orbit and surface.”
Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, added, “This agreement marks a major step forward for the UAE. Through Rashid 2, we will explore the Moon’s far side and deliver vital data on lunar surface conditions.”
Rashid 2 Rover’s Mission Details
The Rashid 2 Rover will face the challenging terrain and communication difficulties of the Moon’s far side. It will carry out several experiments, including testing material adhesion on its wheels to assess how lunar dust affects durability. These results could improve future spacesuits, habitats, and infrastructure designs.
Equipped with cameras and scientific instruments, Rashid 2 will study the lunar plasma environment, geology, thermal conditions, and soil properties. It will also analyse the lunar photoelectron sheath, providing insights to support resource utilisation on the Moon and future space exploration. Additionally, the rover will have a radio transmitter to communicate with other mission payloads.
Part of UAE’s National Space Programme
The Emirates Lunar Mission is a core component of the UAE’s National Space Programme. This initiative prioritises advancing scientific knowledge, empowering future generations, and enhancing international cooperation in space exploration.
Through Rashid 2, the UAE aims to solidify its place as a key contributor to humanity’s expanding presence beyond Earth.
