UAE Space Agency completes critical design review for Emirates Mission to Asteroid Belt
11 Mar 2025 20:26
ABU DHABI (WAM) The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the Critical Design Review (CDR) between February 24 and 26, 2025.This achievement was made with the participation of a distinguished group of Emirati and international experts, paving the way for the next phase, which includes the assembly, integration, and testing of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer.Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, said, 'We are truly proud of this achievement. Completing this phase of EMA successfully embodies the UAE's vision of turning ambitions into realities.'Al Qubaisi added, 'The mission represents an advanced step in our journey of scientific innovation. It contributes to bolstering our position in deep space exploration, and opens promising horizons in the fields of technology, education, and economy for future generations.' He also emphasised the importance of building capabilities in scientific and technical fields within this vital sector.The CDR includes a comprehensive assessment of all aspects of the programme, covering the detailed designs of the spacecraft and its subsystems, precise engineering drawings, manufacturing processes, comprehensive plans, as well as assembly, integration, and testing procedures. Additionally, it involves a thorough performance analysis to ensure the mission's strategic objectives are successfully met.The review also includes comprehensive testing plans to ensure the readiness of components to operate in the harsh environments of space. It involves an assessment of potential risks and the development of effective strategies to manage them, along with the mission's defined timeline.Mohsen Al Awadhi, Mission Director - EMA, stressed that the mission primarily focuses on building capabilities and ensuring broad participation of the private sector. ''EMA is more than a journey beyond our planet, it is a bold step toward a future of innovation, scientific excellence, and global leadership in deep space exploration programmes,'' he added.He highlighted that the critical design review is crucial to ensure the success of any space programme, during which the focus is on verifying the readiness of the systems, achieving the desired scientific goals, enhancing coordination between different teams, reducing potential risks, and complying with international standards and regulations.He affirmed that this review yielded positive results and successfully achieved its objectives, reflecting remarkable progress in the national team's capabilities, and reinforcing the preparations for the mission launch.The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt spans 13 years, divided into six years for the development and design of the spacecraft and seven years for exploring the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. During this period, the scientific instruments aboard the Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer will study the origins and evolution of water-rich asteroids and assess their potential as resources for future space exploration missions.The mission will also contribute to measuring the surface composition, geology, and internal density of multiple asteroids in the main asteroid belt. Additionally, it will analyse temperature variations and thermal physical properties of various asteroids to assess their surface evolution and historical development.The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt team is collaborating with a range of academic partners and technology development partners, including Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi, and the Technology Innovation Institute. Additionally, the mission involves local and international partners from the private sector, as well as organisations, institutions, and universities worldwide, such as the Italian Space Agency, the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University.The UAE Space Agency conducted a preliminary design review for the mission in February 2024 and completed the lander mission concept review in July 2024.
The lander will be aboard the MBR Explorer and is designed to land on and study Justitia.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
UAE, Switzerland hold sixth round of political consultations
3 June 2025 16:56 ABU DHABI (WAM)The UAE and the Swiss Confederation held the sixth round of political consultations in Abu session was co-chaired by Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, UAE Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, and Monika Schmutz Kirgöz, Assistant State Secretary for Middle East and North consultations were a substantive and productive opportunity to highlight the continuous development and strength of the UAE-Switzerland bilateral sides shared current achievements and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening ties across a range of sectors including enterprise, science and technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, water, healthcare, and people-to-people particular focus were ways of accelerating trade and investment promotion. In this regard, the two sides welcomed the remarkable growth in non-oil bilateral trade, which increased by more than 40% in UAE and Switzerland also discussed how to unlock the promise and commercial potential of artificial intelligence, while ensuring the ethical, secure, and responsible development of this countries highlighted their support for international institutions, including the UN, in providing mediation, humanitarian assistance, development support, and peacekeeping, among others. They emphasised the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and discussed their efforts to this sides also discussed their cooperation to ensure the 2026 Water Conference, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, delivers tangible both sides held an in-depth review of regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in Europe, with a focus on promoting dialogue, de-escalation and diplomatic also reviewed the damaging impact that extremism and hate speech have on communities in all parts of the world, including Europe and the Middle East, and they discussed ways of countering those who promote such harmful consultations were attended by Omran Sharaf, UAE Assistant Minister of Advanced Science and Technology, and Dr. Hessa Abdullah Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation. From the Swiss side, Arthur Mattli, Ambassador of Switzerland to the UAE.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
UAE maintains IAEA's Broader conclusion for 3rd consecutive year; showcases commitment to peaceful nuclear energy
ABU DHABI (WAM) For the third consecutive year, the United Arab Emirates has received the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) "Broader Conclusion" in the IAEA's 2024 Safeguards Implementation Report, the highest level of assurance granted by the Agency. This recognition affirms that all declared nuclear materials in the UAE are used for peaceful purposes. The IAEA's conclusion reflects the UAE's robust regulatory infrastructure, unwavering commitment to nuclear transparency, and strict adherence to international non-proliferation obligations. The Broader Conclusion is based on information the UAE provides under its non-proliferation agreements with the IAEA, including details about nuclear sites, their operations, and reports on nuclear materials and technologies. It also includes additional information the UAE shares voluntarily. The IAEA verifies the validity of this information through inspections, evaluations, and assessment, while also considering other sources like open-source information or third-party reports. As a result of the Broader Conclusion, the IAEA has commenced the implementation of 'Integrated Safeguards,' in the UAE. This approach optimises verification efforts and allows for a reduction in inspection frequency while maintaining high standards of oversight. The implementation of Integrated Safeguards not only reinforces international recognition of the UAE's commitment to nuclear transparency but also delivers operational efficiencies for both FANR and its Licensees. In 2021 the UAE marked a key step in strengthening its safeguards system and commitment to nuclear non-proliferation by completing the final part of its Subsidiary Arrangements with the IAEA, fulfilling all obligations under the Safeguards Agreement. The UAE continued to implement its Safeguards Support Programme to the IAEA throughout 2024, providing knowledge, expertise, and resources to enhance the effectiveness and efficacy of IAEA safeguards.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
UAE Space Agency sets global standard with third CIPS Ethics Kitemark award
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The UAE Space Agency has been awarded the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Ethics Kitemark for the third consecutive year, maintaining its distinction as the world's first space agency to receive this international honour. The CIPS Ethics Kitemark is a globally respected standard that recognises organisations and individuals committed to upholding the highest principles of ethical behaviour and integrity in procurement and supply chain management. To be awarded the Kitemark, organisations must demonstrate that staff have completed annual ethics training and that CIPS' globally recognised code of ethics has been adopted and embedded into procurement policies and procedures. This certification reflects the UAE Space Agency's strategic commitment to transparency, good governance and global best practice as it continues to grow its role as a leader in space exploration and scientific innovation. By aligning procurement activities with international standards, the Agency is ensuring that its supplier partnerships are fair, accountable and sustainable, and that public trust is maintained in every aspect of its operations. Commenting on the achievement, Sam Achampong, Regional Director, CIPS MENA, said: 'Ethical procurement is the foundation of public trust and long-term organisational success. The UAE Space Agency's commitment to ethics, transparency, and professionalism sets a powerful example for both the public sector and the global space community. We are proud to recognise the Agency's leadership with the CIPS Ethics Kitemark for a third consecutive year.' The Ethics Kitemark also contributes to building internal capability, helping organisations identify and mitigate risk, prevent unethical conduct, and improve procurement outcomes. It is increasingly seen as a mark of assurance for stakeholders, partners, and international collaborators. In addition to its focus on ethical practice, the UAE Space Agency has invested in developing the skills and competencies of its procurement team. This includes professional development pathways such as the MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) qualification, a globally recognised standard of procurement excellence. Maha Al Mansoori, Director of the Support Services Department at the UAE Space Agency, said: 'As we pursue ambitious goals in science, technology and space exploration, we recognise that integrity must remain central to how we operate. Achieving the CIPS Ethics Kitemark for the third year running is not only a testament to our team's dedication, but also a reflection of our commitment to responsible procurement that aligns with the values of the UAE Government. We are proud to lead the way for ethical sourcing in the space sector globally.' For more information about the UAE Space Agency, visit: To learn more about the CIPS Ethics Kitemark, visit: About CIPS We are CIPS, the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply. A global membership organisation driving positive change across our profession. We are the voice and standard, defining and amplifying best practice across all our worlds. As the awarding body for the profession, we lead in education and training. Helping professionals advance their ambition. We provide insights, information, and tools. Enabling members to develop their own best practice. We help build capability within organisations. Interrogating, troubleshooting, and training. Through all our work, we build a community. A global network of professionals powering procurement and supply so our societies can thrive. Find out more at:
