MBRSC and CNES Extend Lunar Exploration Partnership
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and France’s National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) have renewed their partnership to support future missions under the Emirates Lunar Mission. The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding during the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) in Antalya, Türkiye.
The agreement builds on years of technical and scientific cooperation between the UAE and France. Moreover, it establishes a framework for collaboration on upcoming lunar missions, focusing on imaging technology, scientific research, and operational support.
MBRSC Director General Salem Humaid AlMarri signed the agreement with François Jacq, President Director General of CNES. The signing took place in the presence of the UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Sultan Al Neyadi, and the UAE Space Agency Director General, Salem Butti Al Qubaisi.
CNES to Provide Advanced Lunar Imaging Technology
Under the agreement, CNES will contribute imaging technologies for future lunar missions. These include CASPEX cameras, micro-camera modules, and specialised lighting systems. In addition, the French agency will provide expertise in camera calibration, image processing, and operational support.
These capabilities will help MBRSC capture and process images from the lunar surface. Consequently, mission teams can gather clearer scientific data and improve their understanding of lunar terrain. The collaboration will also allow both organisations to apply lessons from earlier missions to future exploration efforts.
The renewed partnership follows earlier cooperation on Rashid Rover 2. In 2025, CNES supported the rover’s development by providing imaging equipment and hosting thermal vacuum testing in Toulouse. Those tests helped engineers assess the rover’s ability to withstand the Moon’s extreme environmental conditions.
UAE Expands Its Lunar Exploration Programme
The Emirates Lunar Mission aims to develop a series of rovers to explore various lunar locations and conduct scientific investigations. Therefore, the renewed agreement supports the UAE’s longer-term plans to strengthen its space engineering capabilities and expand lunar research.
MBRSC said the partnership would help advance national expertise through international cooperation and the sharing of technical knowledge. Meanwhile, CNES highlighted the opportunity to combine French and Emirati capabilities to deepen scientific understanding of the Moon, including its far side.
The agreement also reflects the UAE’s broader approach to space exploration, which combines domestic research with international partnerships. As future missions progress, the cooperation could help develop imaging systems, improve mission operations, and support new scientific investigations.
Ultimately, the renewed MBRSC-CNES partnership provides a foundation for continued collaboration on lunar missions. Its contribution will depend on how effectively both organisations apply their shared expertise to future spacecraft, instruments, and research objectives.
