posted 09-29-2020 09:08 AM               

Mohammed bin Rashid launches Emirates Lunar Mission

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Emirates Lunar Mission project. The project is part of the UAE's space strategy and the recently launched Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre strategy 2021-2031. The project will also help boost UAE efforts in the fields of space science and research.

The rover has been named after the late Sheikh Rashid to honour his vision to develop Dubai. The Emirati-made rover will explore areas of the Moon that have not been reached by previous missions. The project will make the UAE the fourth country in the world to participate in a moon exploration mission and the first in the Arab region.

On his twitter page, Sheikh Mohammed said: "We have launched the Emirates Lunar Mission, a 100% Emirati-made lunar rover that will land on the surface of the moon by 2024 in areas not yet reached by previous exploration missions. We named the rover "Rashid" in honor of the man who sparked Dubai's advancement."

Exploring the moon will be a part of UAE's space strategy, to build new knowledge and specialized cadres in the country, as well as improving the environment of technology, research and science in the UAE. The new moon explorer will be manufactured 100 per cent in the country by Emiratis," Sheikh Mohammed added.

His Highness affirmed that the UAE space project is huge and the country has the determination and human capital to succeed.

The lander will include 3D cameras, an external suspension structure, sensing systems, solar panels and communications system. The lander will study the dust on the Moon's surface.

Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri asserted that Emirates Lunar Mission reflects UAE's determination to complete its space strategy according to the vision of the leadership that support scientific research and celebrate achievements.

Al Mansouri said the project is a clear indicator that the UAE has the human capital, expertise, and capabilities to explore the outer space.

Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center, said Emirates Lunar Mission project demonstrates the leadership's efforts to root down the culture of innovation and excellence in our community. He added that the project also redefine the scientific seen in the Arab world and will funnel the Arab science community with new knowledge and experiences.

posted 04-14-2021 04:47 PM               

MBRSC Teams Up with Japan's ispace on Emirates Lunar Mission

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has signed a contract with Japan's ispace, inc., under which the latter will provide payload delivery services for the ambitious Emirates Lunar Mission. Under this agreement, ispace becomes a key strategic and implementation partner to MBRSC on the Emirates Lunar Mission, the first of its kind from the Arab world.

The "Rashid" rover will be transported to the Moon on ispace's lunar lander during the company's "Mission 1" in 2022 as part of its commercial programme known as "HAKUTO-R." Under the terms of the agreement, the Japanese lunar exploration company will deliver the Emirates Lunar Mission's Rashid rover to the Moon, provide wired communication and power during the cruise phase, and engage in wireless communication on the lunar surface.

The project is a key part of the UAE's space exploration strategy, which is centred around building new knowledge capabilities, inspiring future generations to pursue space science and research, and fostering global collaboration. Upon the execution of the mission, the UAE and Japan, together, are anticipated to be the next two nations to successfully put a spacecraft on the lunar surface, following the United States, Russia and China.

After a thorough consideration of competing lunar payload delivery service providers, MBRSC selected ispace based on the company's technological credibility. This cooperation with ispace is yet another exemplification of MBRSC's unique ability to tap into the best of the global space value chain through strategic collaborations with key partners.

H.E. Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director-General, MBRSC, said: "MBRSC's commitment towards space research and development has garnered the attention of the world through our various projects. We are now leveraging our advanced scientific and technological hub by partnering with international entities that will aid in creating a new space economy landscape in the country. Our mission through scientific endeavours such as the Emirates Lunar Mission is to keep the UAE flag flying high and be at the forefront of countries contributing to scientific achievements that will change the future for humanity."

Adnan AlRais, Mars 2117 Programme Manager and Senior Director Remote Sensing Department, MBRSC, said: "Our association with Japan's ispace is in line with the MBRSC's ambitious vision of growing a vibrant and sustainable space ecosystem through collaborations and partnerships. The Emirates Lunar Mission represents a milestone in the UAE's space sector as the mission will contribute towards providing valuable data and information relating to the Moon that will serve the global scientific community as well as test capabilities that would be crucial for manned missions to Mars."

Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO, ispace, said: "We are honoured that MBRSC has entrusted ispace's lunar payload transportation service to play a key role in carrying out this historic moment for the UAE. The world will be watching as our commercial lander carries the Rashid rover to the Moon. We're pleased to advance collaboration between the UAE and Japan in space exploration, as well as to inspire more collaborations for lunar exploration between the public and commercial sector around the world."

Dr. John Walker, Chief Rover Architect, ispace, said: "As the frequency and volume of small rovers traversing the lunar landscape is expected to increase in the coming years, we're pleased to bring MBRSC's 'Rashid' rover to the Moon to kickstart the next phase of lunar surface exploration."

As governments and companies around the world set their sights on the Moon, fostering public-private partnerships such as this can further lunar science, drive forward new innovations, and foster the growth of the burgeoning commercial lunar exploration market. Through such endeavours, the global economic sphere can be expanded, while also ensuring a sustainable future for humanity.