In a major step forward for the UAE’s space ambitions, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, witnessed the signing of an agreement between the UAE Space Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The agreement will see the “Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer” launched aboard the H3 rocket in 2028 as part of the UAE’s ambitious Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt.
This mission, one of the UAE’s largest space ventures, is designed to explore the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and will mark another milestone in the nation’s growing space exploration capabilities.
Commenting on the mission, Sheikh Hamdan said, “The UAE’s mission to explore Venus and the Asteroid Belt marks another significant milestone in our space exploration journey, driven by the talent and dedication of Emiratis. Our visionary leadership has continuously invested in developing national capabilities, empowering them with the knowledge and skills required for the UAE to continue advancing its successful journey in the space sector.”
The agreement between the UAE Space Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries underscores the strategic importance of space exploration to the UAE’s future. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized, “The space sector is a gateway to the future, and investing in it reinforces the UAE’s leadership in science and technology. The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt is one of our biggest national projects, reflecting our ambition to build a future rooted in innovation and knowledge for generations to come.”
The mission is expected to build upon the success of the UAE’s “Hope Probe” Mars mission, reflecting the UAE’s growing influence in space science. The UAE Space Agency has previously partnered with Mitsubishi for the successful launches of “KhalifaSat” in 2018 and the “Hope Probe” in 2020, and this latest collaboration is a testament to their strong working relationship.
Sheikh Hamdan also met with Dr. Hiroshi Yamakawa, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in space exploration. Dr. Yamakawa stressed the importance of international partnerships in achieving shared goals in space and promoting sustainability.
The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt is an ambitious 13-year project, with six years dedicated to spacecraft development and seven years spent exploring the asteroid belt.
The “Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer” will perform close flybys of six asteroids, gathering crucial data before landing on the seventh, Justitia.
Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said the mission aligns with the UAE’s strategy of fostering partnerships and advancing investments in the space industry. He added that the partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries represents another milestone in the UAE’s deep space exploration journey.
The spacecraft, which will embark on a 5-billion-kilometer journey, will utilize gravity assist maneuvers from Venus, Earth, and Mars to optimize its trajectory. The first asteroid encounter is expected in February 2030.
Equipped with four advanced scientific instruments, including cameras and spectrometers, the “Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer” will analyze the surface composition, geology, and thermal properties of the asteroids to gain insights into their water-rich origins and surface evolution.
Several UAE institutions, including Khalifa University and New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), are contributing to the mission. Additionally, the UAE’s Technology Innovation Institute and Yahsat, along with international partners like the Italian Space Agency, the University of Colorado, and the University of Arizona, are involved in the mission’s development.
The mission marks a significant step in the UAE’s goal to be a global leader in space science, underscoring the nation’s commitment to innovation and knowledge-based growth for future generations.
