Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), stated that the UAE will continue to work on boosting its global position in the field of space explorations by launching extraordinary projects aimed at providing a superior quality of life to the people and shaping brighter future for the country.

Sheikh Hamdan recently visited the MBRSC headquarters where he reviewed the new 2021-2031 strategy of the Centre containing its upcoming objectives and projects. The strategy has been designed with the aim to fulfil the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, towards contributions of the UAE in space science and research as well as integrate the country's global position in the sector.

During his visit, MBRSC officials briefed Sheikh Hamdan about the progress of the Emirates Lunar Mission project. Launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Emirates Lunar Mission project is the first Emirati and Arab mission aimed at exploring the moon. Under the mission, Emirati scientists plan to create and launch the first-of-its-kind Emirati lunar rover named ‘Rashid’.

Significantly, Sheikh Mohammed named the rover ‘Rashid’ in honour of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. With this mission, the UAE become the fourth country globally to explore new regions on the lunar surface and access new data and information about the moon.

In the course of his visit, the Crown Prince of Dubai hailed the exceptional work performed by the Emirati taskforce in leading the project and other teams who were a part of the project. He further appreciated the efforts of young Emiratis who have contributed to making the UAE a key player in the global space sector.

Sheikh Hamdan asserted that he will continue to have faith and confidence in the ability of Emiratis in helping the UAE traverse new horizons in the field of space exploration.

"Their contributions will help create a better future for the region and the world and their scientific knowledge, capabilities and determination will ensure the UAE continues to progress and excel," the MBRSC President said.

He also met the Emirates Lunar Mission team during when he reviewed the layout and design of the ‘Rashid’ Lunar Rover - built completely by Emirati efforts. The Centre's team briefed Sheikh Hamban about the various components of the lunar rover, its characteristics, features and functions. He was also briefed about various launch phases and other progress made in the project. The Centre's team briefed Sheikh Hamban about the various components of the lunar rover, its characteristics, features and functions.

The team provided an overview to Sheikh Hamdan about previous missions carried out in line with the ongoing phase of the project, explaining the mission's objective to land on an area of the Moon’s surface that has yet not been explored by any previous lunar missions globally.

The team also shared the details related to the operations, risk management and supervision system of the project in addition to its preparedness in resolving any upcoming challenges. Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed about the work procedure of the Emirati lunar rover as soon as it will land on the Moon surface.

The Dubai Crown Prince examined the work of the sub-teams of the project, including development and scientific instruments, project management, and control teams. At the same time, the team inspected the various development phases of the Emirates Lunar Mission along with its scientific objectives and process towards its pre-launch test in 2024.

Addressing the occasion, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, MBRSC Chairman, noted that Sheikh Hamdan's visit reflects the leadership's support and confidence to the success of space research and exploration.

"This serves as a strong incentive and motivation for the Centre and private entities in the UAE to launch new high-quality projects in the fields of technology, robotics and aerospace technology in line with the UAE’s vision," he said.

He further noted that the Emirati Lunar Mission will provide a solid and extensive database about the Moon's unexplored surfaces, making the UAE a model for other countries seeking to enter the space sector. Al Mansoori further stated that such projects will enable the UAE to serve as a global strategic partner in progressive scientific projects and contribute towards the progress of humanity.

Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, MBRSC Director-General, added that the Lunar mission reflects the aspirations of the UAE to emerge as one of the leading countries worldwide in the field of science, research and advanced engineering.

"The mission also supports Emirati youth and adds to the growing list of the UAE’s achievements in the fields of science, innovation and development," AlShaibani said.

The Emirates Lunar Mission is one of the most crucial projects of MBRSC's 2021-2031 strategy. It is a part of the Mars 2117 programme, aimed at building the first human settlement on Mars. Essentially, MBRSC is overseeing various aspects of the mission - funded by the ICT fund operating under the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).

The lunar rover is aimed at making significant contributions to the global efforts of exploring the surface of the Moon when it lands in 2024. It will further contribute to various discoveries that can help in the development of science and specialised high-precision technologies in the space sector.

WAM