The UAE’s mission to explore the far side of the Moon has progressed significantly with the signing of a crucial agreement. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, witnessed the collaboration between the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and US-based Firefly Aerospace.

Credit: Firefly Aerospace

Under this agreement, Firefly Aerospace will provide the lunar lander for the Emirates Lunar Mission, which is set to transport the UAE’s Rashid 2 Rover to the Moon’s far side in 2026. This mission will also feature payloads from NASA, the European Space Agency, and Australia, as part of Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission 2.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that this mission underscores the UAE’s dedication to advancing lunar science and contributing significant knowledge to global space research. The Rashid 2 Rover will investigate the Moon’s terrain, plasma environment, and thermal conditions, while also testing material resilience against lunar dust, crucial for future exploration technologies.

This lunar mission aligns with the UAE’s broader National Space Programme, which aims to drive innovation, empower youth, and enhance international partnerships in the space sector.