UAE on track for 2022 mission to the moon with 'Rashid' rover

The Emirates Lunar Mission team have completed the assembly and integration of the first 'Rashid' rover prototype.

That’s according to a social media report from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

The prototype is being prepped for the first Arab mission to the moon, and the launch date is set for 2022.

It has completed functional testing in the MBRSC lab and will soon face more robust testing in simulated environments.

The Emirates Lunar Mission is part of the 2021-2031 strategy launched by MBRSC, which includes developing and launching the first Emirati lunar rover, Rashid.

The explorer is being designed and built in the UAE by a team of Emirati engineers, experts, and researchers.

The mission aims to conduct tests to study various aspects of the lunar surface, including the lunar soil and its formation and components, thermal properties of the surface, including thermal amplitude and conduction characteristics.

The rover will capture multiple images and relay them back to the control room in Dubai.

It will be equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including a 3D camera, advanced motion system, sensors, communication system, all of which will be powered using solar panels.