UAE to Explore Far Side of Moon with Rashid 2 Rover

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai's Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has witnessed a major moment in the UAE’s space journey. A new agreement has been signed between the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and Firefly Aerospace. This agreement is about sending the Rashid 2 Rover to explore the far side of the Moon as part of the Emirates Lunar Mission. The signing event was held at Emirates Towers.

What is this Agreement About?

The deal confirms that Firefly Aerospace will provide the lunar lander that will carry the Rashid 2 Rover to the Moon. This lander is called the Blue Ghost and it will be launched on top of another space vehicle named Elytra Dark. The mission is set for the year 2026 and will be part of Firefly’s second trip to the Moon. Other countries and space organizations—like NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Australia—will also have scientific equipment on this same mission.

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Sheikh Hamdan’s Vision for the UAE’s Space Mission

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan said that this mission shows that the UAE is part of a special group of countries that are working on discovering more about the Moon. He explained that the UAE’s goal is not just to reach far places in space, but also to find new knowledge that can help people all around the world. He said this agreement with Firefly Aerospace is part of the UAE’s plan to work closely with international partners and grow in the field of science and space technology.

He also said that the UAE wants to build a strong and lasting space industry that encourages new ideas, shares knowledge with others, and keeps the UAE growing as a leader in science and technology. This mission, he added, helps the UAE become a bigger name in space exploration.

Support from UAE Leaders

Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, thanked Sheikh Hamdan and the UAE leadership for always supporting the space center. He said their vision helps MBRSC achieve great things. He explained that sending Rashid 2 to the Moon’s far side proves that the UAE is turning its dreams into real achievements. It also shows that the UAE is a trusted partner in exploring space and helping shape the future of science.

Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, added that this agreement shows the country’s promise to invest in science for the future. He said that the Emirates Lunar Mission shows the UAE’s passion for helping the world understand more about the Moon and for building useful technology for future missions. He said the UAE will keep aiming higher with strong support from its leaders.

Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, said that this new partnership with Firefly Aerospace is a big step forward. Through this mission, the UAE will become one of the few countries to explore the far side of the Moon. He shared that this mission will help scientists around the world learn more about the Moon’s surface, environment, and dust. This information will help future Moon missions and support building things like Moon bases and other tools needed for deep space travel.

What Firefly Aerospace Said

Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace, said that they are excited to work with the UAE on this mission. He shared that after their successful Moon landing earlier, their team is ready for the challenge of this new mission. He also said that their spacecraft—Blue Ghost and Elytra—are great tools for reaching the Moon and studying it up close. He added that this mission helps countries working together through the Artemis Accords, which support peaceful space exploration.

What Will Rashid 2 Rover Do?

The Rashid 2 Rover will land on the far side of the Moon, which is more difficult because it has rough terrain and weak communication signals. The rover will have many tasks:

• It will test different materials on its wheels to see how well they handle Moon dust.

• This will help in designing better space suits, Moon homes, and other future technology.

• The rover will study the Moon’s soil, rocks, temperature, and electric environment.

• It will also carry a radio transmitter to talk to other tools and equipment during the mission.

All this will help scientists plan better for future Moon missions, and even for traveling deeper into space.

UAE’s Big Picture in Space

This mission is part of the UAE’s National Space Programme. This program aims to improve scientific knowledge, inspire young people, and build strong friendships with other countries through space exploration. The Rashid 2 mission is a big step forward in this exciting journey and shows how the UAE is helping build the future of space science.