UAE's Rashid 2 Rover to build detailed lunar database on moon's far side

The UAE is taking another major step in its ambitious space programme as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) prepares to send the Rashid 2 Rover on a scientific mission to the moon's far side later this year, with the goal of creating a comprehensive database of the lunar surface for future exploration.

Salem Al Suwaidi, who oversees the space cameras for the Emirates Lunar Mission, highlighted the project's scientific significance in a video released by MBRSC during its participation in the 46th COSPAR 2026 Scientific Assembly in Florence, Italy.

Al Suwaidi said the primary objective of the Rashid 2 mission is to develop a detailed database of the moon's surface while fulfilling the mission's scientific goals and contributing valuable knowledge for future lunar missions.

He noted that although the rover is currently in Florence as part of the international conference, its next destination will be the far side of the moon, one of the least explored regions in lunar science. Once there, Rashid 2 will investigate several key scientific aspects, including the moon's geographical features, surface composition and thermal characteristics. The rover will also study plasma activity around the moon and examine how prolonged exposure to the harsh lunar environment affects different materials and technologies.

According to Al Suwaidi, Rashid 2 is equipped with an advanced suite of scientific instruments designed to support these objectives. These include multiple high-resolution cameras that will capture detailed images of the lunar terrain, along with a Langmuir sensor system that will measure plasma surrounding the moon, providing scientists with valuable insights into the lunar environment.

The Rashid 2 Rover is scheduled to travel aboard the Elytra Dark orbital transfer vehicle and lander as part of the Blue Ghost 2 mission, developed in partnership with the American aerospace company Firefly Aerospace. The mission marks another milestone in the UAE's growing contribution to global space exploration and scientific research, reinforcing the country's commitment to advancing knowledge beyond Earth.