The United Arab Emirates made significant strides in its space programme during 2025, expanding its orbital infrastructure and strengthening international partnerships to enhance communications, Earth observation, and scientific research capabilities, according to state news agency WAM.
Key milestones included the launch of Thuraya-4, a next-generation mobile communications satellite operated by Thuraya, part of the Yahsat group, and MBZ-SAT, an advanced Earth observation satellite developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). These deployments strengthen the UAE’s capacity in both satellite communications and high-resolution Earth monitoring.
The UAE also expanded its presence in small satellite technologies with the launch of nanosatellites Al Ain Sat-1 and HCT-SAT1, alongside the rollout of the Foresight satellite constellation. Additional missions in 2025 included Etihad-SAT and PHI-1, the latter developed under the Payload Hosting Initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.
Beyond satellite launches, the UAE completed the development of the Rashid Rover 2 lunar robotic vehicle and signed agreements paving the way for the first Emirati astronaut to reach the Moon. Ongoing atmospheric research by the Hope Probe, the UAE’s Mars orbiter, continued to generate valuable scientific insights into the Red Planet’s atmosphere.
Together, these achievements reinforce the UAE’s position as an emerging global space power, reflecting a long-term strategy to invest in advanced space technologies, scientific research, and international collaboration.
