Tech Desk 
May 23, 2025
In a notable development in the realm of space exploration, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its second Moon mission, scheduled for 2026.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, siad the UAE has partnered with US-based Firefly Aerospace to send the Rashid 2 Rover to the Moon’s far side. The rover will utilise Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander.
This mission will make the UAE only the second country ever to attempt a landing on the Moon’s far side, highlighting its commitment to space exploration.
Salem Humaid AlMarri, the director general of MBRSC, stated that this mission represents a significant advancement for the UAE in lunar exploration and will provide valuable scientific data for future projects.
The Rashid 2 Rover comes on the heels of the UAE's first lunar attempt, Rashid Rover 1, which, unfortunately, was ill-fated to make a crash landing in 2022. Unlike its predecessor, Rashid 2 will focus on scientific research in a more challenging environment.
Rashid 2 will be equipped with various cameras and scientific instruments, and will study the Moon’s plasma environment, geology, thermal conditions, and soil properties.
This mission is part of Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 2, which will also carry payloads from Australia, the European Space Agency (ESA), and NASA.
