The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced the successful completion of the Emirates Lunar Mission’s Rashid Rover 2, following an extensive series of environmental and functional tests conducted in the UAE. The rover has now been shipped to the United States, where it will undergo the next stage of preparations with Firefly Aerospace for its scheduled launch to the far side of the Moon in 2026.
Earlier this year, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and President of MBRSC, witnessed the signing of a landmark agreement between MBRSC and Firefly Aerospace. Under the partnership, Firefly’s lunar lander will carry the Rashid Rover 2 to its destination on the Moon.
Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, hailed the development milestone as a reflection of the UAE’s growing strength in space science and technology. He emphasised that each achievement brings the nation closer to building a sustainable, knowledge-based space future.
Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, called the rover’s completion a defining step in advancing the UAE’s ambitions for lunar exploration, highlighting its role in driving new scientific discovery and expanding the frontiers of innovation.
Dr Hamad AlMarzooqi, Project Manager of the Emirates Lunar Mission, noted that the successful testing phase represents a critical step in confirming the rover’s durability and readiness for its upcoming mission.
Funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the Emirates Lunar Mission underscores the UAE’s dedication to advancing research, development, and international collaboration in space science.
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