Sheikh Hamdan Announces UAE’s Rashid Rover 2 to Launch in 2026 via US Partnership

Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has announced that the Rashid Rover 2—the UAE’s second mission to the Moon—will be launched in 2026 in collaboration with a US-based aerospace company.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sheikh Hamdan shared,

“I witnessed the signing of a strategic agreement between the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and Firefly Aerospace, a US-based company, to provide payload delivery services for the Rashid 2 Rover as part of the Emirates Lunar Mission. This mission positions the UAE to become only the second nation ever to attempt a landing on the Moon’s far side, reinforcing our pioneering role in space exploration.”

He also credited the nation’s leadership for their continuous support:

“With the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE is steadily establishing itself as a key player in global space exploration. Powered by the creativity and determination of our youth, our space journey reflects the same ambition that drives our growth on Earth.”

As per the new agreement, the Rashid 2 Rover will be transported to the Moon’s far side aboard Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander, which will be launched via the Elytra Dark orbital vehicle. This mission is a follow-up to the UAE’s earlier lunar attempt and marks a significant milestone in the country’s rapidly evolving space program.