MBRSC Leads UAE Space Innovation and Lunar Tech

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)—established in 2006 in Dubai—serves as the incubator for the UAE’s National Space Programme. As a government entity, it oversees satellites, lunar exploration, astronaut training, and earth‑observation services.

Integrated Space Innovation

Satellite Development & Earth Observation

MBRSC leads the design, manufacturing, and deployment of Earth-observation satellites—from early models like DubaiSat‑1 (2009) to the homegrown KhalifaSat (2018), which is the UAE’s first all-national satellite. These orbiters provide high-resolution imagery used for urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.

Emirates Lunar Mission

MBRSC conceived and built the compact Rashid Rover, the first Emirati moon rover. In late 2022, mission control confirmed successful telemetry access, steering the rover through the lunar cruise phase and testing its autonomous systems on the Moon’s surface.

Crew & Airlock Modules

MBRSC collaborates with NASA’s Gateway project, designing the UAE-built Crew and Science Airlock Module, set to launch on Artemis 6—placing regional professionals at the heart of lunar orbital missions.

Driving Innovation with AI & Partnerships

Digital Twins & AI

In January 2025, MBRSC signed an MoU with SpaceData (Tokyo) to develop digital twin technology, bridging space infrastructure with predictive modeling for improved operations on Earth and in orbit.

Global Alliances

MBRSC is active internationally, partnering with NASA, ESA, JAXA, ISRO, and ESA networks like PanGeo. It fuels knowledge exchange, mission support, and ground-station integration, reinforcing the UAE as a regional space hub.