The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has completed a new series of tests on Rashid Rover 2 in the United States, in collaboration with Firefly Aerospace. The work is part of preparations for the Emirates Lunar Mission, which plans to send the rover to the far side of the Moon aboard Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission 2 in 2026.
The tests included electrical, software, and mechanical interface checks with the Blue Ghost lander, as well as wireless performance evaluations between the rover and lander. Engineers also conducted deployment and drive-off trials to confirm the rover can safely operate on the lunar surface under different scenarios.
“These latest tests mark an important milestone to ensure a seamless integration between the rover and the lander systems,” said Dr. Hamad AlMarzooqi, Project Manager of the Emirates Lunar Mission at MBRSC. He added that the collaboration with Firefly Aerospace is focused on achieving the mission’s scientific and technical objectives with precision and reliability.
Rashid Rover 2 is scheduled to travel alongside payloads from Australia, the European Space Agency, and NASA. Blue Ghost Mission 2 will follow Firefly’s first lunar landing mission, Blue Ghost Mission 1, which reached the Moon in March 2025.
On the Moon, Rashid Rover 2 will use cameras and scientific instruments to study plasma, geology, thermal conditions, and lunar soil properties. The data collected will support future in-situ resource utilization and broader deep-space exploration initiatives.
“Firefly is proud to onboard the MBRSC Rashid Rover 2 on Blue Ghost Mission 2,” said Farah Zuberi, Director of Spacecraft Mission Management at Firefly Aerospace. “With the rover successfully delivered and tested, we are one step closer to its deployment on the lunar surface.”
The Emirates Lunar Mission is funded by the ICT Fund of the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, which supports research and development in the country’s ICT sector.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
