UAE Plans Lunar Landing by 2033 as Part of Ambitious Space Exploration Agenda
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre outlines plans for an Emirati astronaut on the Moon and future Mars missions.
Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced an ambitious timeline for its lunar exploration goals, with plans to send its first astronaut to the surface of the Moon within the next ten years.
This revelation was made by Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), during a discussion at the World Governments Summit (WGS) held in Dubai.
Al Marri expressed the commitment of the MBRSC to fulfill this goal.
"What drives me — and I believe drives many at MBRSC — is the desire to see an Emirati on the surface of the Moon within the next 10 years," he shared.
He emphasized the importance of components such as the Lunar Gateway, which will support future missions.
The UAE is actively participating in global space initiatives, including contributing an airlock system to NASA’s Lunar Gateway, the planned space station orbiting the Moon.
This collaboration not only furthers the UAE’s role in international lunar exploration but also ensures that an Emirati astronaut will have access to the Gateway and potential lunar surface missions.
The UAE is a signatory to the Artemis Accords, signifying its commitment to sustainable lunar exploration alongside NASA and other global space agencies.
Currently, Emirati astronauts are undertaking specialized training in lunar exploration elements, incorporating advanced spacesuit technologies and operations related to the Lunar Gateway.
Al Marri noted that each of the four Emirati astronauts is engaged in different training modules to prepare for the upcoming missions.
Looking beyond the Moon, Al Marri articulated the UAE's long-term aspirations focused on Mars.
The nation aims to transition from robotic exploration to eventual human settlement, stating, "Because we have that big vision, eventually we want to have rovers, power sources, humans, life support systems, space stations, whatever it may be, working and living on Mars." The UAE has previously announced an objective of establishing a human settlement on Mars by the year 2117 under its Mars 2117 Project, which encompasses advanced technologies and habitat research.
A key component of the UAE's Martian initiatives is the Emirates Mars Mission, which successfully deployed the Hope Probe into Mars' orbit in 2021. This mission has provided significant insights into Martian atmospheric conditions, placing the UAE as a notable contributor to ongoing global Mars research efforts.
Additionally, the UAE is preparing for the forthcoming Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, slated for 2028. This mission is projected to last 13 years, targeting seven asteroids between Mars and Jupiter, with plans to land on the asteroid Justitia.
This exploration endeavor is expected to enhance the UAE's capabilities in deep-space navigation and planetary science, marking a significant step in the country's expanding space ambitions.
This revelation was made by Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), during a discussion at the World Governments Summit (WGS) held in Dubai.
Al Marri expressed the commitment of the MBRSC to fulfill this goal.
"What drives me — and I believe drives many at MBRSC — is the desire to see an Emirati on the surface of the Moon within the next 10 years," he shared.
He emphasized the importance of components such as the Lunar Gateway, which will support future missions.
The UAE is actively participating in global space initiatives, including contributing an airlock system to NASA’s Lunar Gateway, the planned space station orbiting the Moon.
This collaboration not only furthers the UAE’s role in international lunar exploration but also ensures that an Emirati astronaut will have access to the Gateway and potential lunar surface missions.
The UAE is a signatory to the Artemis Accords, signifying its commitment to sustainable lunar exploration alongside NASA and other global space agencies.
Currently, Emirati astronauts are undertaking specialized training in lunar exploration elements, incorporating advanced spacesuit technologies and operations related to the Lunar Gateway.
Al Marri noted that each of the four Emirati astronauts is engaged in different training modules to prepare for the upcoming missions.
Looking beyond the Moon, Al Marri articulated the UAE's long-term aspirations focused on Mars.
The nation aims to transition from robotic exploration to eventual human settlement, stating, "Because we have that big vision, eventually we want to have rovers, power sources, humans, life support systems, space stations, whatever it may be, working and living on Mars." The UAE has previously announced an objective of establishing a human settlement on Mars by the year 2117 under its Mars 2117 Project, which encompasses advanced technologies and habitat research.
A key component of the UAE's Martian initiatives is the Emirates Mars Mission, which successfully deployed the Hope Probe into Mars' orbit in 2021. This mission has provided significant insights into Martian atmospheric conditions, placing the UAE as a notable contributor to ongoing global Mars research efforts.
Additionally, the UAE is preparing for the forthcoming Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, slated for 2028. This mission is projected to last 13 years, targeting seven asteroids between Mars and Jupiter, with plans to land on the asteroid Justitia.
This exploration endeavor is expected to enhance the UAE's capabilities in deep-space navigation and planetary science, marking a significant step in the country's expanding space ambitions.
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