Abu Dhabi: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will take off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying the UAE’s lunar mission on November 28th. The impact of Hurricane Nicole, which hit Florida, was cited as the reason for the changed launch date during a Mission 1 pre-launch press conference from Japan.
The launch will take place at 12.46 PM UAE time. The Japanese ispace Inc. will set down the UAE’s Rashid Rover on the lunar surface.
After repeated discussion with Space X and confirming the status from the launch site in Florida…we have been impacted by the hurricane, but I am very pleased to be able to announce the date of the launch.
Mr. Takeshi Hakamada, Founder and CEO of ispace inc. remarked.
A team from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre (MBRSC) of the UAE has already arrived in Florida and the countdown to the launch of the fledgling Emirati Mission to the Moon has officially started.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre’s (MBRSC) Director General, Mr. Salem Al Marri, tweeted that he and his crew had arrived in Florida this week in time for the launch of the first Lunar Mission.
“In Florida this week with our team, we are preparing for the launch of the 1st Emirati mission to the Moon…we are preparing with Nasa for Sultan Al Neyadi’s launch next year.” Mr. Al Marri tweeted.
On the day of launch, the Falcon 9 rocket will place the lander in orbit, from which point it will start its own solo trip to the Moon. The reusable rocket produces more than 771 tonnes of thrust at sea level, to launch into space. The mission will attempt to land in the Atlas Crater of the Moon on the southernmost tip of the Mare Frigoris, also known as the Sea of Cold.