The UAE Space Agency (UAESA) has formalized an agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to provide launch services for the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA). This landmark deal was announced in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council.
The agreement took place during the Space Research Conference, organized by UAESA, following the UAE Cabinet’s decision to establish the “Supreme Space Council.” This new permanent entity, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan, will report directly to the Cabinet and oversee national space initiatives.
MBR Explorer
As part of the EMA, UAESA is developing the MBR Explorer, named in honor of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. The mission, set to launch in the first quarter of 2028, aims to expand our understanding of the solar system’s origins and the building blocks of life within the asteroid belt. It also seeks to explore potential future resource extraction from asteroids.
The EMA will be a thirteen-year endeavor, including six years for spacecraft development followed by a seven-year journey to the asteroid belt beyond Mars. The spacecraft will perform close flybys of several asteroids before landing on Justicia, the mission’s final destination.
This agreement marks the third collaboration between MHI and the UAE, following successful launches of KhalifaSat in 2018 and the Emirates Mars Mission in 2020.
Mission Expectations
Mohsen AlAwadhi, Mission Director for the EMA, expressed confidence in MHI’s capabilities, praising their track record of reliability and advanced H3 launch vehicle. “We have high expectations for the H3 launch vehicle, given its enhanced capabilities and MHI’s commitment to precision and excellence. This partnership represents the next step in the UAE’s journey into deep space,” he said.
Iwao Igarashi, Vice President and Senior General Manager of Space Systems at MHI, expressed his excitement for the partnership. “It is an honor to provide launch services for the UAE’s important national mission. MHI is committed to delivering the MBR Explorer to orbit successfully and supporting the UAE’s deep space journey.”
MHI boasts a success rate of over 98%, with more than 50 successful consecutive launches using its H-IIA and H-IIB vehicles since 2005. The H3 launch vehicle, which builds on the legacy of these systems, is designed to be more customer-focused, meeting a range of launch demands. The H3’s third launch was successfully completed on July 1, 2024.
A Long-Term Partnership
This partnership exemplifies MHI’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s space industry, while contributing to global space exploration and solving societal challenges. Through this collaboration, UAESA and MHI aim to enhance space industry diversification and foster innovation in space exploration.
