The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to enhance its presence in space by launching the MBR Explorer probe in March 2028. This autonomous spacecraft will embark on a journey through the main asteroid belt, visiting seven asteroids including 269 Justitia, which it aims to reach by 2034. Prior to that, it will perform flybys of Venus and Earth to adjust its trajectory.
The mission’s primary objective is to analyze the composition of 269 Justitia, which is thought to hold clues about the distribution of water and organic materials during the early formation of the solar system. The UAE’s growing space ambitions reflect its desire to diversify its economy beyond oil dependency, with a goal to position itself among the world’s top 10 space economies by 2031.
This initiative builds on the UAE’s previous accomplishments, such as the 2020 Mars probe launch, which successfully entered Martian orbit in 2021. The UAE’s Defence Minister, Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, highlighted that the country’s space sector is currently valued at approximately $12 billion.
