The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced the successful completion of the development of the Emirates Lunar Mission's Rashid Rover 2, following a comprehensive series of environmental and functional tests conducted in the UAE. The rover has now been dispatched to the United States of America, where it will begin the next phase of preparations with Firefly Aerospace for its launch to the far side of the Moon in 2026. Earlier this year, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, witnessed the signing of a strategic agreement between MBRSC and Firefly Aerospace for the lunar lander. Following successful Thermal Vacuum testing in France, MBRSC conducted an extensive campaign of verification and validation tests in the UAE, including solar panel deployment, vibration testing, and simulated lunar gravity tests for the antenna and robotic arm. These tests represent the final steps in validating the rover's readiness for the challenging lunar environment. His Excellency Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, stated this is a decisive step in advancing the UAE's lunar exploration ambitions. His Excellency Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, called it a testament to the nation's growing space science capabilities. Hamad AlMarzooqi, Project Manager, noted the successful tests are a crucial step in ensuring the rover's resilience for the journey ahead. As the mission advances toward its historic objective on the far side of the Moon, it reinforces the UAE's commitment to international collaboration, innovation, and contributing to humanity's scientific progress.
