UAE's MBR Explorer mission edging closer to launch

Named after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Explorer will be launched in 2028 and land on an asteroid in 2034

Published: Wed 9 Oct 2024, 6:36 PM

Updated: Thu 10 Oct 2024, 11:24 AM

By
Web Desk

The ambitious MBR Explorer mission has taken a giant leap towards fulfilling UAE’s space endeavours today with the signing of an agreement between the UAE Space Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

This partnership will facilitate the launch of the Explorer spacecraft, which aims to explore seven asteroids and land on Justitia in the asteroid belt. Set for launch in the first quarter of 2028, this mission represents a significant milestone for the UAE.

Witnessing the signing of the agreement, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said that the MBR Explorer mission represents a major milestone in the UAE’s achievements in the space sector. The expedition solidifies the country's position as a key player in global space exploration and science.

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The Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, welcomed the President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and hailed the partnership.

"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. 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 said.

Sheikh Hamdan noted, "The space sector is a gateway to the future, and investing in it reinforces the UAE's leadership in science and technology. The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt is one of our biggest national projects, reflecting our ambition to build a future rooted in innovation and knowledge for generations to come."

Sheikh Hamdan also met with Dr Hiroshi Yamakawa, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), along with his delegation. Dr Yamakawa emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation, working toward shared international space exploration goals, and promoting sustainability in space activities.

MBR Explorer in deep space

The MBR Explorer that is set to travel 5 billion km into deep space will be created in an ambitious 13-year project involving six years of development and seven years of exploration before its launch in the first quarter of 2028.

Named after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the MBR Explorer will land on an asteroid in 2034.

When announcing the project, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasised that this ambitious scientific endeavour will not only contribute to significant advancements in space science and technology but also pave the way for the creation of specialised Emirati companies in this field.

According to the Dubai Ruler, the mission to the Asteroid Belt is a massive scientific project that will result in the establishment of private Emirati companies specialised in space science and technology, the development of a deep space mission control centre, and the training of Emirati talent.

The spacecraft will travel past Venus using the planet's gravity to alter its velocity shielding from the sun's intense heat and solar wind.

The spacecraft is designed to survive extreme variations in temperature. A series of manoeuvres around not only Venus, but Earth and Mars will help keep the spacecraft on its course with each asteroid encounter creating vast new set of data.

As the UAE solidifies its role as a key player in the global space arena, missions like the MBR Explorer are critical in enhancing the country’s scientific capabilities and international standing. The mission is not just a testament to technological prowess but also serves as an inspiration for nations pursuing similar ambitions in space