SpaceMiningData
SpacecraftMain-belt asteroidIn development

Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) / MBR Explorer

UAE Space Agency mission whose MBR Explorer spacecraft is to fly past six main-belt asteroids and deploy a lander on a seventh in 2034; the agency's 2023 announcement lists preparing for possible future resource extraction and assessing the resource potential of water-rich asteroids among its aims. Assembly, integration and testing were under way in April 2026 ahead of a 2028 launch (launch period starting March 2028 per the 2023 announcement).

Objective. Characterize main-belt asteroids, including the resource potential of water-rich asteroids, to prepare for possible future resource extraction.

Targeted

Facts

Kind
Spacecraft
Mission type
Prospecting
Target
Main-belt asteroidSeven main-belt asteroids; landing on the seventh (2034)
Launch
Planned 2028-03 (window)
Announcement date not recorded. Record checked 2026-09-25.
Phase
In developmentThe National (2026-04-27) reports assembly, integration and testing under way; UAE Space Agency announcement via Dubai Media Office (2023-05-29).
Outcome
Not applicable
Why it is included
Stated resource objective

Participants

Operators, payload owners, carriers and customers are recorded separately.

OrganizationRole
UAE Space AgencyOperator

Resources and evidence

ResourceEvidence
VolatilesTargeted

Open evidence gaps

  • Launch vehicle (reported as H3) and landing target (reported as 269 Justitia) not confirmed from a primary page.
  • Mission partners (MBRSC and LASP) are not recorded as organizations here.

Sources

4 sources
  1. [1]Mohammed bin Rashid: The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt is a significant scientific mission
    Government of Dubai Media OfficeGovernment recordPublished 2023-05-29Accessed 2026-09-25Supports: objective, inclusion basis, summary
    prepare the ground for possible future resource extraction from asteroids
    Quote matched the source text when accessed.
  2. [2]Mohammed bin Rashid: The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt is a significant scientific mission
    Government of Dubai Media OfficeGovernment recordPublished 2023-05-29Accessed 2026-09-25Supports: objective, resources
    assess the resource potential of asteroids and prepare the way for future asteroid resource utilisation
    Quote matched the source text when accessed.
  3. [3]Mohammed bin Rashid: The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt is a significant scientific mission
    Government of Dubai Media OfficeGovernment recordPublished 2023-05-29Accessed 2026-09-25Supports: participants, launch date, target site
    the UAE Space Agency today announced the details and objectives of the EMA
    Quote matched the source text when accessed.
  4. [4]UAE's MBR Explorer mission to asteroid belt on track for 2028 launch as tests begin
    The NationalPressPublished 2026-04-27Accessed 2026-09-25Supports: phase, launch date
    The MBR Explorer mission is progressing, with assembly, integration and testing under way ahead of its 2028 launch.
    Quote matched the source text when accessed.