UAE’s Asteroid Mission Advances with Successful Critical Design Review

The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) has successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR) between February 24 and 26, 2025, marking a major step forward in the UAE’s deep space exploration journey.

The review, conducted with leading Emirati and international experts, sets the stage for the next phase—assembly, integration, and testing of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer.

Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, highlighted the achievement, stating, “Completing this phase of EMA successfully embodies the UAE’s vision of turning ambitions into realities.” He emphasized that the mission strengthens the country’s role in deep space exploration while unlocking opportunities in technology, education, and the economy for future generations.

The CDR provided a comprehensive assessment of the spacecraft’s detailed designs, engineering processes, and testing plans, ensuring the mission’s strategic objectives are met. This review also evaluated potential risks and mitigation strategies, as well as the mission’s timeline.

EMA Mission Director, Mohsen Al Awadhi, noted that the mission is focused on capacity building and private sector engagement. “EMA 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,” he said.

Spanning 13 years, the EMA mission includes six years of spacecraft development and seven years of asteroid exploration between Mars and Jupiter. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer will analyze the origins and evolution of water-rich asteroids, assess their potential for future space resources, and study surface compositions, geology, and temperature variations.

The UAE Space Agency is working with key academic and technology partners, including Khalifa University, NYU Abu Dhabi, and the Technology Innovation Institute. International collaborations include the Italian Space Agency, the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University.

A preliminary design review was completed in February 2024, followed by a lander mission concept review in July 2024. The mission’s lander, aboard the MBR Explorer, is set to land on asteroid Justitia for further analysis.

This milestone solidifies the UAE’s growing role in space exploration, positioning the nation as a key player in advancing scientific research and deep space technology.