UAE Space Sector: Major Breakthroughs in 2025

The UAE space sector has made significant strides in 2025, solidifying its status as a global leader in technology, scientific research, and knowledge-driven industries. This progress underscores the nation’s dedication to nurturing local talent, fostering international collaborations, and enhancing its role in global space exploration.

Celebrating World Space Week

The announcement of these advancements coincides with World Space Week, which takes place from October 4 to 10 each year. This United Nations-designated event highlights the ways in which space science and technology contribute to human progress. The theme for this year, “Living in Space,” delves into humanity’s aspirations to make space a viable habitat through innovation and teamwork.

Launching Six Satellites

The year kicked off with an impressive launch of six satellites in the first quarter alone. On January 4, the UAE successfully deployed Thuraya 4 alongside several other satellites, including Mohammed bin Zayed Sat, Al Ain Sat-1, HCT-SAT 1, and the second phase of the Foresight satellite constellation. This momentum continued with the launch of UnionSat, the UAE’s inaugural radar satellite, on March 15.

Strategic Partnership for the Lunar Gateway

In February, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) entered into a strategic partnership with Thales Alenia Space to develop the Pressure Equalisation Unit for NASA’s Lunar Gateway. This collaboration will see the UAE design and operate the 10-tonne unit for up to 15 years, with the possibility of extension. This role not only positions the UAE within the largest lunar exploration program but also opens doors for sending Emirati astronauts to the Moon and gaining access to advanced engineering and research data.

The UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre will launch Etihad-SAT from California.

Rashid 2 Rover: Exploring the Moon’s Far Side

In May, MBRSC signed an agreement with Firefly Aerospace for the Blue Ghost Mission 2, which aims to deploy the Rashid 2 Rover to the Moon’s far side in 2026. This mission will also carry payloads from the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, and Australia, placing the UAE among a select group of nations conducting research on this unexplored region. The Rashid 2 Rover will be transported on Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander, allowing scientists to gather valuable data essential for future lunar infrastructure.

Strengthening International Collaborations

MBRSC has also renewed its partnership with France’s space agency, CNES, to enhance the Emirates Lunar Mission’s Rashid Rover 2, set for launch in 2026. CNES will contribute two high-resolution cameras and a CASPEX imaging module, along with expertise in image processing and data analysis. This collaboration builds on the success of the first Rashid Rover and aims to further elevate the UAE’s scientific capabilities.

Developing Emirati Talent through the National Space Academy

The National Space Academy, an initiative by the UAE Space Agency, has launched the Space Mission and Satellite Engineering Programme (SMSE) in collaboration with EDGE. This program, delivered in partnership with EDGE entities FADA and BEACON RED, provides Emirati engineers and researchers with hands-on training in satellite design, mission architecture, and systems engineering. This initiative is crucial for preparing the next generation of leaders in space missions.

Advancements in the Asteroid Belt Mission

In April, the UAE Space Agency reached a significant milestone by completing the final design phase of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA). This mission, the first of its kind in the Arab world, aims to study seven asteroids located between Mars and Jupiter. An agreement with the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) will see the development of the EMA Lander, which will travel aboard the MBR Explorer to study the asteroid Justitia. TII will lead the design and development efforts while ensuring that 50% of the project is allocated to UAE-based companies, fostering local startups and attracting foreign partnerships.

Celebrating Five Years of the UAE Hope Probe

In July, the UAE marked the fifth anniversary of the Hope Probe, which was launched on July 20, 2020, from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Centre. As the first Arab and Islamic interplanetary mission to Mars, the Hope Probe continues to provide invaluable data on the Martian atmosphere, benefiting research centers and universities around the globe.

The UAE’s advancements in space exploration reflect a commitment to innovation and collaboration, positioning the nation as a key player in the global space community.