Rashid rover: UAE Moon mission set for November 22 launch


Sarwat Nasir
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The UAE's mission to the Moon is now scheduled to launch on November 22 from a Cape Canaveral spaceport in the US state of Florida.

Japanese lunar exploration company ispace has built the lander that will deliver the Emirati-built Rashid rover to the lunar surface.

The Hakuto-R Mission 1 lander, with the rover stored inside it, has been delivered to Cape Canaveral to be launched on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Previously, a launch window of November 9 to 15 was given, but ispace said the new date would allow for “best preparation”.

“In careful co-ordination with SpaceX, both sides agreed to target no earlier than November 22, 2022, for launch of the Hakuto-R M1,” the company said.

“This updated target launch date allows for best preparation for the mission when considering the fuel-loading schedule for the lander and launch date availability. An updated launch date will be announced once confirmed.”

Rashid, the first rover under the UAE's long-term Moon exploration programme, will spend one lunar day — 14 Earth days — studying lunar properties.

Once launched, it will take the lander about three months to reach the Moon. If it lands successfully, the rover will climb down a ramp and begin its exploration mission.

It will also be the first cargo mission to the Moon if all goes well.

“This mission will be a historic first not only for our company, but also for the development of the cislunar [the space between Earth and the moon] economy,” said Takeshi Hakamada, founder of ispace.

“On our first mission, we are honoured to work with Nasa to complete a commercial transaction of lunar regolith and carry payloads from agencies including Jaxa and Mbrsc (Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre) along with our commercial customers and partners.”

Dr Hamad Al Marzooqi, project manager of the Emirates Lunar Mission, said the new launch date would give them additional time to focus on the rover’s launch and landing phases.

The team have been carrying out tests on a replica of the Rashid rover in preparation for the mission.

“We hosted trial sessions to prepare our engineering team on how to remotely conduct scientific and geology research using the rover,” said Dr Al Marzooqi.

“The model of the rover for the rehearsal is similar to the flight model that will be carried by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in November.

“The test rover has received and executed daily commands via satellite communications and has successfully completed the mission control rehearsal.”

  • The Hakuto-R Mission 1 lunar lander is delivered to Florida's Cape Canaveral from where it will carry the UAE's Rashid rover to the Moon. Photo: ispace
    The Hakuto-R Mission 1 lunar lander is delivered to Florida's Cape Canaveral from where it will carry the UAE's Rashid rover to the Moon. Photo: ispace
  • The Hakuto lander with the Rashid rover stored inside, ready to be shipped to Florida. Photo: ispace
    The Hakuto lander with the Rashid rover stored inside, ready to be shipped to Florida. Photo: ispace
  • Rashid lunar rover's final prototype. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
    Rashid lunar rover's final prototype. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
  • An Emirati engineer tested the Moon rover in remote desert areas of Dubai. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
    An Emirati engineer tested the Moon rover in remote desert areas of Dubai. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
  • Dr Hamad Al Marzooqi, project manager of the Emirates lunar mission. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dr Hamad Al Marzooqi, project manager of the Emirates lunar mission. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Development of the lander nears completion. Photo: ispace
    Development of the lander nears completion. Photo: ispace
  • Emirati engineers test parts of the Rashid rover. Photo: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
    Emirati engineers test parts of the Rashid rover. Photo: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
  • Emirati engineers test parts of the Rashid rover. Photo: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
    Emirati engineers test parts of the Rashid rover. Photo: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
  • A full Moon gleams above Buenos Aires. AFP
    A full Moon gleams above Buenos Aires. AFP
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Essentials

The flights

Etihad (etihad.ae) and flydubai (flydubai.com) fly direct to Baku three times a week from Dh1,250 return, including taxes. 
 

The stay

A seven-night “Fundamental Detox” programme at the Chenot Palace (chenotpalace.com/en) costs from €3,000 (Dh13,197) per person, including taxes, accommodation, 3 medical consultations, 2 nutritional consultations, a detox diet, a body composition analysis, a bio-energetic check-up, four Chenot bio-energetic treatments, six Chenot energetic massages, six hydro-aromatherapy treatments, six phyto-mud treatments, six hydro-jet treatments and access to the gym, indoor pool, sauna and steam room. Additional tests and treatments cost extra.

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MATCH INFO

Inter Milan 2 (Vecino 65', Barella 83')

Verona 1 (Verre 19' pen)

Temple numbers

Expected completion: 2022

Height: 24 meters

Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people

Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people

First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time

First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres  

Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres

Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor 

Updated: November 07, 2022, 9:15 AM