MBR Explorer

Planned UAESA mission to the Asteroid belt From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The MBR Explorer is a planned UAESA space probe designed to journey to seven different main belt asteroids.[2][3] Proposed under the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, it is named in recognition of the foundational role driving the creation and growth of the UAE Space Program played by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president and the prime minister of the United Arab Emirates.[4]

Quick Facts Mission type, Operator ...
MBR Explorer
Mission typeAsteroid multiple-flyby/orbiter/lander
OperatorMohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Mission durationFlyby phase:
8.5 years
Orbiter phase:
7 months
Start of mission
Launch dateMarch 2028
RocketH3
Launch siteTanegashima, LA-Y2
ContractorMitsubishi Heavy Industries
Flyby of Venus (gravity assist)
Closest approachJuly 2028[1]
Flyby of Earth (gravity assist)
Closest approachMay 2029
Flyby of 10253 Westerwald
Closest approachFebruary 2030
Flyby of 623 Chimaera
Closest approachJune 2030
Flyby of 13294 Rockox
Closest approachJanuary 2031
Flyby of Mars (gravity assist)
Closest approachSeptember 2031
Flyby of (88055) 2000 VA28
Closest approachJuly 2032
Flyby of (23871) 1998 RC76
Closest approachDecember 2032
Flyby of (59980) 1999 SG6
Closest approachAugust 2033
269 Justitia orbiter
Orbital insertionOctober 2034
269 Justitia lander
Landing dateMay 2035
Close

The mission to explore the asteroid belt was announced by the United Arab Emirates Space Agency in May 2023, and the launch is planned for March 2028.[5][6][7] Similarly to their previous Mars mission, the MBR Explorer will launch from Tanegashima Space Center, this time on an H3.[8]

The spacecraft will weigh around 2.8 tonnes and will travel at an average speed of 33,000 km/h.[9]

The MBR Explorer will visit asteroids 10253 Westerwald, 623 Chimaera, 13294 Rockox, (88055) 2000 VA28, (23871) 1998 RC76, and (59980) 1999 SG6, in a 5-billion-kilometre total journey,[4][10] and will attempt to land on its seventh and final asteroid, 269 Justitia in 2034.[9]

The spacecraft will also drop off a small lander to set down on Justitia's surface.[6]

See also

References

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