Crown Prince Witnesses Historic Unveiling of UAE’s Asteroid Probe
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed marks milestone achievement as Emirates Mission to Asteroid Belt probe reaches flight readiness, showcasing the nation's advanced space capabilities and scientific ambition
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, presided over the unveiling of the probe destined for the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, a landmark moment in the UAE’s expanding space programme. Developed entirely within the nation’s borders, the sophisticated instrument achieved flight readiness status in remarkably swift fashion—less than two years from the initial development agreement.
The probe will journey aboard the MBR Explorer spacecraft on an extraordinary voyage spanning approximately five billion kilometres, visiting seven asteroids before its ultimate destination: asteroid 269 Justitia. This ambitious second interplanetary mission represents another significant stride for the UAE’s evolving space sector, building upon previous triumphs including the Hope Probe’s successful orbit around Mars and human spaceflight achievements.
Sheikh Hamdan commended the extraordinary collaborative effort behind this accomplishment, highlighting the contributions of more than 150 specialised engineers and scientists drawn from national entities and companies. He emphasised that completing the probe’s development in so condensed a timeframe demonstrates the exceptional capabilities of Emirati talent and the robustness of the nation’s integrated research, development and manufacturing ecosystem.
The Crown Prince reflected upon the UAE’s remarkable progression within the space domain. Since the establishment of the UAE Space Agency in 2014 under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, the nation has progressed from aspiring to reach space to actively shaping its future. Within less than two decades, the UAE has positioned itself among the world’s foremost spacefaring nations, he observed.
Looking forward, Sheikh Hamdan articulated an ambitious vision for the sector’s expansion. The UAE’s space economy currently exceeds AED44 billion, with aspirations to double returns by 2031 whilst increasing added value by sixty per cent. The nation aims to secure a position among the world’s top ten space economies through sustained investment in Emirati talent, technology and advanced industries.
Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, noted that the probe’s achievement reflects the advancement and capabilities of the national space ecosystem. The successful development demonstrates the ability to leverage ambitious missions in developing advanced technologies and strengthening institutional integration.
The probe will subsequently undergo integration with the MBR Explorer at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder, before launch from Japan is scheduled for the first quarter of 2028. Upon reaching asteroid 269 Justitia, the probe will autonomously descend to the surface, potentially providing unprecedented scientific insights into planetary formation and the distribution of water and organic materials throughout the Solar System.
Source: WAM