UAE Space Agency advances asteroid exploration mission with design milestone

UAE Space Agency advances asteroid exploration mission with design milestone
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Mar 18, 2025

The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) has successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR), a pivotal milestone in the project, held from February 24 to 26 with participation from Emirati and global experts. This review evaluated the detailed development of the MBR Explorer spacecraft, confirming its readiness to progress into the Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) phase.

His Excellency Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, stated: "We are truly proud of this achievement. Completing this phase of EMA sucessfully embodies the UAE's vision of turning ambitions into realities."

He continued: "The mission represents an advanced step in our journey of scientific innovation. It contributes to bolstering our position in deep space exploration, and opens promising horizons in the fields of technology, education, and economy for future generations."

The CDR involved a meticulous assessment of the mission's technical documentation, including spacecraft blueprints, subsystem designs, manufacturing protocols, and AIT plans. Evaluations extended to risk management strategies, performance modeling, and mission scheduling, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and preparedness for space conditions.

Mohsen Al Awadhi, Mission Director of EMA, underlined the significance of engaging the private sector and fostering technical capabilities. He noted, "The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt is more than a journey beyond our planet, it is a bold step toward a future of innovation, scientific excellence, and global leadership in deep space exploration programs."

He emphasized the role of the CDR in validating the mission's scientific and engineering goals, enhancing inter-team coordination, and verifying system readiness against international standards. Al Awadhi confirmed the review's success, marking tangible progress and strengthening preparations for launch.

The EMA mission encompasses six years of spacecraft development leading up to launch, followed by a seven-year operational phase. During this period, the MBR Explorer will traverse the main asteroid belt beyond Mars, conducting close flybys of seven asteroids and culminating with a landing on Justitia. Equipped with advanced instruments, the spacecraft will investigate the composition, geology, thermal characteristics, and internal density of these celestial bodies.

Scientific objectives include exploring the origin and evolution of water-rich asteroids and assessing their potential as resources for future space missions. These studies aim to provide insight into asteroid surface history and development.

EMA collaborates with a range of partners, including Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi, and the Technology Innovation Institute, alongside various local and international entities. Notable partners include the Italian Space Agency, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University.

Earlier milestones in the mission's timeline include the preliminary design review in February 2024 and the lander mission concept review in July 2024. The MBR Explorer will carry the lander for deployment on Justitia, where it will conduct surface studies.