São Paulo – The United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAESA) announced a new interplanetary mission this Tuesday (5). It will be scheduled for 2028 to explore the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, the source of most meteorites that impact Earth. The news was published on the official local news agency, Emirates News Agency (WAM). Pictured above, the mission launch ceremony.
Among the goals of the initiative is to accelerate further the country’s space engineering, scientific research, and exploration capabilities in the sector and boost innovation and opportunities in the area for companies. Built upon the knowledge and experience gained from the UAE’s mission to the planet Mars, the new endeavor will involve significant participation from the country’s private sector.
The announcement was made at a ceremony with the presence of the vice president, prime minister of the UAE, and ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other high-ranking authorities. “We have set our eyes to the stars because our journey to development and progress has no boundaries, no borders, and no limitations. Today we are investing in the generations to come. With each new advancement we make in space, we create opportunities for young people here on Earth,” said Maktoum.
The spacecraft must perform maneuvers by first orbiting Venus and then Earth to build the necessary velocity to reach the main asteroid belt located beyond Mars. During the five-year work, seven asteroids from the main belt will be studied. The goal is for the mission to reach the belt in 2030. The feat will make the UAE the fourth nation to land a spaceship on an asteroid.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
