Reported: 2 November 2026
EMA mission progressing to integration and testing phases
The UAE Space Agency says its Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) remains on schedule for a first-quarter 2028 launch, according to Emirates247.
Emirates247 reports that the mission has made progress on building its EMA lander, described as developed, assembled and tested in the UAE. The report says the lander has passed required technical and environmental checks to support its flight readiness.
Emirates247 adds that the lander is expected to separate from the MBR Explorer and approach the surface of asteroid 269 Justitia to capture detailed images.
What the mission will study
Emirates247 describes the mission as an eight-year journey of about five billion kilometres, with the explorer expected to encounter its first asteroid around February 2030.
Emirates247 says scientific goals include investigating water-rich asteroids, their physical and chemical characteristics, and their mineral composition, to support understanding of early solar system materials and potential resource uses.
The report also states the spacecraft is incorporating power management and thermal-control systems for challenging temperature variations and long-distance communications.
Source: Emirates247.