UAE, Mitsubishi Sign Agreement To Launch 'Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer' Spacecraft

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum witnessed the signing of an agreement between the UAE Space Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to launch the "Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer" spacecraft aboard the H3 rocket in 2028.

This project is part of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt and is one of the UAE's biggest space missions. Al Maktoum said that exploring the Asteroid Belt is an important step in the UAE's goal to become a major player in space science.

"The UAE's mission to explore Venus and the Asteroid Belt marks another significant milestone in our space exploration journey, driven by the talent and dedication of Emiratis," he said, according to WAM.

"Our visionary leadership has continuously invested in developing national capabilities, empowering them with the knowledge and skills required for the UAE to continue advancing its successful journey in the space sector," he added.

The UAE's mission to explore the Asteroid Belt, through the development of the "Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer," set to launch in 2028, builds on the success of the "Hope Probe" Mars mission.

This agreement marks the third collaboration between the UAE and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, following the launches of "KhalifaSat" in 2018 and the "Hope Probe" in 2020.

The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt is a 13-year project. Six years will be spent building the spacecraft, and the next seven years will be used to explore the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

The "Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer" will fly close to six different asteroids, collecting important data, before landing on the seventh asteroid, called Justitia.

The crown prince highlighted that the space sector is crucial for the future, and investing in it strengthens the UAE's leadership in science and technology.

The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt is one of the country's largest projects, reflecting its vision to create a future based on innovation and knowledge for future generations.

Al Maktoum also pointed out that the UAE, under its visionary leadership, continues to form strong international partnerships that support its goals in space exploration and technological innovation. These efforts contribute to sustainable growth and the development of a knowledge-based economy.