Dubai: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has completed the development of the Emirates Lunar Mission’s Rashid Rover 2, following a comprehensive series of environmental and functional tests conducted in the UAE.
The rover has been transported to the United States, where it will undergo its next phase of preparations with Firefly Aerospace ahead of its scheduled launch to the far side of the Moon in 2026.
Earlier this year, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and President of MBRSC, attended the signing of a strategic agreement between MBRSC and Firefly Aerospace. Under this collaboration, Firefly’s lunar lander will deliver Rashid Rover 2 to the lunar surface.
فيديو مسرَّع لعمل فريق مشروع الإمارات لاستكشاف القمر على المستكشف راشد 2 الذي اكتمل تطويره، وسيتم إطلاقه عام 2026 لاستكشاف الجانب البعيد من القمر. pic.twitter.com/9ucdupHaUk
— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) November 3, 2025
Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, said the milestone reflects the UAE’s growing expertise in space science and technology. AlMansoori stated that, “Each milestone brings us closer to shaping a sustainable and knowledge-driven space future for generations to come.”
Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, called the completion of the rover a decisive step in advancing the UAE’s ambitions for lunar exploration driven by the pursuit of new science and the desire to push the limits of what is possible.
Dr. Hamad AlMarzooqi, Project Manager for the Emirates Lunar Mission, noted that the successful testing phase ensures the rover’s resilience for the demanding journey ahead and confirms its readiness for the next stage of mission preparations.
The Emirates Lunar Mission is funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), underlining the UAE’s ongoing dedication to research, development, and global cooperation in space exploration.
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