UAE Launches The First Arab-built Moon Spacecraft With Success
On December 11, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, carrying the first Arab-built Moon spacecraft into space.
Author:Daniel JamesReviewer:Karan EmeryDec 12, 202261.2K Shares1.4M Views
On December 11, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, carrying the first Arab-built Moon spacecraftinto space.
The Rashid Rover was constructed by Dubai's Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and is being delivered by the ispace-designed HAKUTO-R lander. If the landing is successful, HAKUTO-R will be the first commercial spacecraft to perform a controlled lunar landing.
His Highness All three rulers of Dubai—Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai—attended the launch of Rashid Rover from the Mission Control Centre at Dubai's Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).
“„Reaching the moon is yet another milestone in the ambitious march of a country and a nation whose aspirations have no limits.- Sheikh Mohammed
UAE Launches First Arab-Built Moon Rover
Objectives Of The Mission
The Japanese-made lunar lander carrying the 10 kg Rashid Rover will touch down in Atlas Crater, situated at 47.5°N, 44.4°E on the Moon's southeastern Mare Frigoris margin (Sea of Cold). It is thought that the 88-kilometer-wide Atlas Crater was created between 3.2 and 3.8 billion years ago.
The Rashid Rover, named after the late Sheikh Rashid Al Saeed, the previous ruler of Dubai will gather data and images there to investigate the qualities of lunar soil, the petrography and geology of the Moon, the flow of dust, and more. Spacesuits and other gear may become stuck in the razor-sharp lunar dust, which can eventually wear them out.
According to MBRSC, Rashid Rover will deliver roughly 10 terabytes of recorded information, scientific data, and fresh photographs to the worldwide scientific community. The Rashid rover, named after the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed, the former ruler of Dubai, is one of the several government and private payloads onboard the lander.
Rashid Rover is merely the first of the UAE’s numerous expeditions to the Moon. In September, MBRSC and China National Space Administration announced an agreement to initiate cooperation space projects and future lunar exploration, including deploying the next UAE rover on Chang'e 7, a robotic Chinese lunar exploration mission scheduled for flight in 2026.
The Launch Comes Shortly After NASA’s Artemis I
The launch comes soon after that of NASA’s Artemis I lunar mission and represents the first step in the UAE’s ambitious moon exploration program. The Gulf state aims to send numerous spacecraft, including rovers and orbiters, to the moon, with a second rover set to launch as soon as 2025.
Construction of the 10kg, four-wheel Rashid Rover started in 2017 at the MBRSC. It was created by an all Emirati crew.
“„The team did a great job in starting the mission and designing it. We are starting small, but we hope that this small step will be eventually the starting point to reach our targets.- Hamad Al Marzooqi, Emirates Lunar Mission
The MBRSC is also using the expedition to drive grandiose ambitions for a Mars colony. It is intending to create the first human colony on the Red Planet by 2117. Al Marzooqi expects that the lunar surface mission will be a stepping stone to Mars.
Final Words
MBRSC claimed its lunar rover is anticipated to come on the visible side of the Moon in April 2023. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a relative newbie to the space race, having just dispatched a spacecraft into Mars orbit last year. If the rover, Rashid Rover, safely lands, it will be the Arab world’s first Moon mission.
Daniel James
Author
Daniel James is a distinguished gerontologist, author, and professional coach known for his expertise in health and aging.
With degrees from Georgia Tech and UCLA, including a diploma in gerontology from the University of Boston, Daniel brings over 15 years of experience to his work.
His credentials also include a Professional Coaching Certification, enhancing his credibility in personal development and well-being.
In his free time, Daniel is an avid runner and tennis player, passionate about fitness, wellness, and staying active.
His commitment to improving lives through health education and coaching reflects his passion and dedication in both professional and personal endeavors.
Karan Emery
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Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
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