UAE Asteroid Probe Set for 5bn km Space Mission in 2028
The UAE has unveiled a domestically developed asteroid probe ahead of its planned launch from Japan in early 2028. Remarkably, the probe reached flight readiness in less than two years.
The probe will travel aboard the MBR Explorer spacecraft as part of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA). During its journey, the spacecraft will cover about 5bn km and explore seven asteroids.
Eventually, the probe will separate from the spacecraft and autonomously descend to the surface of 269 Justitia. Therefore, the mission represents another major step in the UAE’s growing interplanetary programme.
Notably, teams developed, assembled and tested the probe in the UAE. Moreover, the project highlights the country’s expanding capabilities in space research, engineering and manufacturing.
UAE asteroid probe reaches flight readiness
Development of the asteroid probe began following an agreement signed in January 2025. Since then, teams have moved the project from its initial concept to flight readiness in less than two years.
More than 150 specialised engineers and scientists are working across different parts of the mission. Furthermore, several national institutions and technology companies have contributed expertise to its development.
The mission also builds on the UAE’s rapidly expanding space programme. Since 2014, the country has strengthened its capabilities through satellite launches and major exploration projects.
For example, the Hope Probe successfully entered orbit around Mars. Additionally, Emirati astronauts have travelled to the International Space Station.
Consequently, the asteroid mission represents the next stage of the country’s increasingly ambitious space exploration programme.
5bn km journey targets seven asteroids
Next, teams plan to integrate the probe with MBR Explorer at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics. The laboratory operates at the University of Colorado Boulder.
After integration, preparations will continue for the planned launch from Japan during the first quarter of 2028.
The spacecraft will then begin an approximately 5bn km journey through the Solar System. During that journey, it will explore seven asteroids before reaching its final destination, 269 Justitia.
In the mission’s final phase, the probe will separate from MBR Explorer. It will then autonomously descend to the asteroid’s surface.
Scientists have particular interest in 269 Justitia because it may have originated in the outer regions of the Solar System. Subsequently, the asteroid may have migrated into the main asteroid belt.
Therefore, studying its composition could reveal more about the early Solar System. In particular, researchers hope to better understand how water and organic materials spread during planetary formation.
Meanwhile, several UAE institutions and companies are supporting different elements of the mission. These include the Propulsion and Space Research Centre at the Technology Innovation Institute, HEX20 and Khalifa University.
The National Space Science and Technology Centre at United Arab Emirates University is also contributing expertise. As a result, the project brings together research, engineering and manufacturing capabilities from across the national space ecosystem.
UAE targets top 10 space economy status
Meanwhile, investment in the UAE’s space sector has exceeded AED44bn ($12bn) over the past decade. The country now plans to expand the sector further through its National Space Strategy 2031.
Under those ambitions, the UAE aims to double returns from its space economy. Additionally, it plans to increase the sector’s added value by 60 per cent.
Ultimately, the UAE wants to rank among the world’s top 10 space economies by 2031. Therefore, strengthening domestic research, development and manufacturing remains central to the strategy.
Alongside the asteroid mission, the country is advancing its AED1bn ($272.3m) International Space Cooperation Programme. Moreover, the $1bn UAE-French Altair-Next Gen initiative aims to manufacture 50 AI-enabled satellites in Abu Dhabi.
Preparations for the Rashid Rover 2 mission are also progressing. That mission aims to explore the far side of the Moon.
At the same time, the UAE continues its participation in NASA’s Artemis programme. Together, these projects underline the country’s broader push to strengthen its scientific, technological and economic role in space.
