MBR Explorer
The MBR Explorer is a planned uncrewed spacecraft proposed under the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt.[1][2] It is named in recognition of the foundational role driving the creation and growth of the UAE Space Program played by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president and the prime minister of UAE.[3]
The mission to explore the asteroid belt was announced by the United Arab Emirates Space Agency in May 2023, and the launch is planned for March 2028.[4][5][6]
The spacecraft will weigh around 2.8 tonnes and will travel at an average speed of 33,000 km/h.[7]
The MBR Explorer will visit seven asteroids: 10253 Westerwald, 623 Chimaera, 13294 Rockox, (88055) 2000 VA28, (23871) 1998 RC76, (59980) 1999 SG6, in a 5-billion-kilometre total journey,[3][8] and will attempt to land on its final asteroid, 269 Justitia in 2034.[7]
The spacecraft will also drop off a small lander to set down on Justitia's surface.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ "UAE announces space mission to land MBR Explorer on asteroid 5 billion kilometres away". Arabian Business. 29 May 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
- ^ "Touring Through the Asteroid Belt: United Arab Emirates Unveils Bold Mission". SpaceRef. 29 May 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
- ^ a b "Arabian spacecraft to search asteroid belt for clues to life's origins". ABC News. 2023-05-30. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
- ^ Foust, Jeff (3 June 2023). "UAE outlines plans for asteroid mission". SpaceNews. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
- ^ a b Kenneth Chang (May 29, 2023). "The United Arab Emirates Is Heading for the Asteroid Belt". The New York Times.
- ^ Sarwat Nasir (May 29, 2023). "MBR Explorer: UAE unveils details of its mission to the main asteroid belt". The National. Abu Dhabi.
- ^ a b "MBR Explorer: All about UAE's new space mission to Asteroid Belt". Gulf News. 2023-05-29. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
- ^ "Ambitious Emirati Mission Seeks to Visit 7 Asteroids and Land on the Big Red One". Gizmodo. 2023-05-10. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
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