A domestic space sector valued at over 44 billion dirhams has produced a landing craft for the UAE asteroid belt exploration mission, which reached a major milestone as a domestically developed and tested landing craft was unveiled, achieving flight readiness in under two years. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Space, inspected the spacecraft as it prepares to embark on the nation’s second interplanetary journey.
Spacecraft Unveiled for Interplanetary Mission to Seven Asteroids
The newly unveiled landing craft is scheduled to launch aboard the “MBR Explorer” as part of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt. According to official reports, the spacecraft will undertake an arduous five-billion-kilometer journey across deep space. Its ultimate destination is the seventh and final asteroid on its itinerary, known as “Justitia 269,” after passing six other celestial bodies along the way. The launch is planned for 2028.
Did You Know? The UAE space sector has grown significantly since the establishment of the UAE Space Agency in 2014, expanding to encompass a total economy valuation that now exceeds 44 billion dirhams.
National Engineering Team Delivers Flight Readiness in Under Two Years
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the researchers, engineers, and scientists behind the project, noting that a national team of more than 150 specialists successfully developed, assembled, and tested the landing craft in less than twenty-four months. Government officials emphasized that this rapid timeline demonstrates the strong integration of national research, manufacturing, and development capabilities across participating local companies and institutions. The craft reached this stage of flight readiness in under two years from the signing of its development agreement.
Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, stated that the craft’s readiness shows the efficiency of the national space system and its ability to use ambitious missions to develop advanced technologies and specialized supply chains.
Strategic Vision Aims for Global Space Economy Standing by 2031
The successful preparation of the landing craft builds upon a series of prior national space milestones, which include launching artificial satellites, sending the Hope Probe to Mars, and dispatching Emirati astronauts to the International Space Station. Leadership has set a target through the 2031 national strategy to double the economic returns of the space sector, elevate its value added by 60%, and firmly position the country among the top ten global space economies. Sheikh Hamdan noted that the nation has moved from the ambition of reaching space to active participation in shaping its future, following the 2014 launch of the Mars exploration project by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Details on the Destination, Development Timeline, and Launch Vehicle
What is the destination of the landing craft?
The spacecraft is set to explore seven asteroids, culminating at its final destination, the asteroid “Justitia 269.”
How long did it take to build the landing craft?
The landing craft was developed, assembled, tested, and brought to flight readiness in under two years by a national team of over 150 engineers and scientists.
What rocket or spacecraft will carry the landing craft into space?
The landing craft will launch into space aboard the “MBR Explorer” as part of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt.
Sheikh Hamdan expressed pride in “Emirati minds that turn big ambitions into achievements” and affirmed the continued investment in “human, knowledge and technology to create a new future for the UAE in space.”