Orbital Space Announces Historic First Privately Funded Lunar Mission from the Arab World
Orbital Space is thrilled to unveil the Orbital Space Lunar Program, a landmark initiative in the Arab world’s space exploration history. This program will send a student-built experiment to the Moon, marking the Arab world’s first privately funded lunar mission, spearheaded by the pioneering efforts of Orbital Space. In collaboration with Astrobotic, a space robotics and lunar logistics company, this mission underlines a significant step in the education and space exploration in the region.
The centerpiece of this mission, the Lunaris Platform, was selected through a rigorous global competition judged by a panel of experts from Orbital Space, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), UAE Space Agency, and Astrobotic. The winning experiment, crafted by students from AGH University of Science and Technology in Poland, focuses on analyzing interactions between lunar regolith and various materials that could be used in making cables and connectors for future lunar missions.
Mission Details:
The Lunaris Platform, the payload of the mission, is a student-designed platform to be deployed from Astrobotic lander to touch the surface of the Moon and investigate the abrasive impact of lunar regolith on different material samples. This project not only deepens our understanding of lunar regolith interactions with different cables and connectors materials to be used in future lunar landers and habitats but also serves as a beacon of educational inspiration, preparing the next generation for future lunar missions and extended human residence on the moon.
Astrobotic will be carrying the Lunaris Platform aboard their third lunar mission aboard a Griffin-class lunar lander, targeting launch no earlier than Q4 2026.
Educational Impact and Global Involvement:
Through the Orbital Space Lunar Program, Orbital Space is deeply committed to nurturing young minds in the Arab world and globally. Initiatives such as the Lunar Mission Boot Camp are specifically designed to engage and educate upcoming space innovators, emphasizing practical involvement in lunar research.
Engagement and Educational Initiatives:
Orbital Space continues to offer a broad spectrum of activities aimed at inspiring and educating future generations in the field of space science. These include:
Educational workshops and webinars through the Space Innovators Series.
Hands-on experiences in the Lunar Exploration Bootcamp.
Public interaction opportunities like the ‘Send your message to the moon’ initiative.
Orbital Space General Manager, Dr. Bassam Alfeeli commented: “Orbital Space main goal is to encourage and empower students to develop, design and conduct scientific experiments or technology tests to be carried to the surface of the Moon. We have challenged students from around the world through a global competition to propose scientific experiments or technology tests for a lunar mission. We are enabling and supporting the winning team to design, build, deliver, and operate their own lunar payload. And while doing so, we are also increasing public awareness about the efforts to establish sustainable human presence on the Moon. This lunar payload mission would not be possible without our key strategic partners, collaborators, and contributors including Astrobotic, AGH University, CRP Tech, and, AROBS Polska.”
“By bringing together innovative minds from around the globe, we are not only advancing lunar exploration but also inspiring the next generation of space pioneers. This mission exemplifies the power of international cooperation and the limitless possibilities that arise when we push the boundaries of access to space, to everyone,” says John Thornton, Astrobotic CEO.
Director of the Space Technology Centre, AGH University of Krakow, Professor Tadeusz Uhl commented: “We are committed to fostering an environment where our students can push the boundaries of space science and technology. This lunar mission represents the pinnacle of that commitment. It is not only a testament to their hard work and ingenuity but also a reflection of the collaborative and forward-thinking culture we cultivate. To support our students in this historic mission, AGH University has provided comprehensive resources, including access to our state-of-the-art research facilities, expert guidance from our faculties, and financial backing for mission-critical needs. Our partnerships with Orbital Space have been instrumental in equipping our students with the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve success in this ambitious venture.”
This mission represents a significant milestone in international space collaboration and reinforces the UAE’s growing role as a leader in space exploration and education.