Orbital Space is go for the Arab World’s first privately funded lunar mission
In partnership with Astrobotic
Orbital Space, a Dubai-based aerospace company, has unveiled the Orbital Space Lunar Programme, representing what is said to be the Arab World’s first privately funded lunar mission.
In collaboration with Astrobotic, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US-headquartered space exploration and technology development company, the pioneering initiative aims to send a Polish university students-designed experiment to the South Pole of the Moon aboard Astrobotic’s Griffin-class lunar lander.
The mission, slated for launch no earlier than the fourth quarter of 2026, represents a significant step in the Arab World’s space exploration and educational outreach efforts and reinforces the UAE’s growing role in space education and technology.
Such programmes, to date, have been undertaken mainly by state-backed entities such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai emirate in the UAE, UAE Space Agency, Dubai Municipality, and the Saudi Space Commission.
Lunaris platform
The centrepiece of the Orbital Space Lunar Programme mission is the Lunaris platform, a cutting-edge experiment selected through rigorous competition among global university students. The competition’s panel of judges included experts from Orbital Space, Astrobotic, MBRSC, and the UAE Space Agency.
The winning Lunaris project was conceived by AGH University of Science and Technology students (AGH Lunar Technologies Student Research Club) in Kraków, Poland. It will be deployed at the South Pole of the Moon from Astrobotic’s Griffin lunar lander as part of Orbital Space’s commercial payload mission with the US space company.
Astrobotic’s third lunar mission aims to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch vehicle from Kennedy Space Center in Florida in 2026. In addition to the Orbital Space payload scientific consignment, this lunar mission will carry other payloads from Astrobotic customers, including NASA.
Outshining over 400 projects from across the globe, the AGH Lunar Technologies Student Research Club won the ‘Experiment on the Moon: Lunar Payload Mission’ competition, held by Orbital Space in May 2023.
The upcoming mission will mark the first time a Polish team’s payload reaches the Moon and represents one of the initial collaborations between Poland and the UAE in the space sector.
Regolith focus
The students’ winning experiment will examine how lunar regolith—the fine dust on the Moon’s surface—interacts with different materials used in cables and connectors for future lunar missions.
The goal is to study the abrasive effects of lunar regolith on these materials, which will help us understand their performance under the Moon’s extreme conditions. This research will provide valuable insights for designing more resilient lunar landers and habitats.
Dr Bassam Alfeeli, General Manager of Orbital Space, said: “Orbital Space’s primary goal is to encourage and empower students to develop, design, and conduct scientific experiments or technology tests for lunar missions.
“Through this global competition, we have enabled a team of students to bring their innovative experiment to the Moon. This mission highlights our young scientists’ capabilities and increases public awareness of the ongoing efforts to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. Our strategic partners, including Astrobotic, AGH University, CRP Tech, and AROBS Polska, have made this mission a reality.”
Pioneer mode
Nada AlShammari, Partner & Chief Inspiration Officer of Orbital Space, stated, “We are not just exploring the Moon; we are pioneering for humanity’s future. Let us inspire a generation, ignite curiosity, and push the boundaries of what we believe possible.”
John Thornton, CEO of Astrobotic, added: “By bringing together innovative minds from around the globe, we are advancing lunar exploration and inspiring the next generation of space pioneers. This mission is a testament to the power of international cooperation and the endless possibilities that arise when we expand access to space.”
Professor Tadeusz Uhl, Director of the Space Technology Centre at AGH University of Krakow, noted: “This lunar mission is a pinnacle of our commitment to pushing the boundaries of space science and technology.
“It reflects the collaborative and forward-thinking culture we nurture at AGH University. Our support for this mission includes comprehensive resources, expert guidance, and financial backing, all aimed at ensuring the success of our students’ ambitious venture.”
The upcoming mission is more than just a scientific endeavour; it is a beacon of educational inspiration. By involving students in such a high-profile project, Orbital Space fosters the next generation of scientists and engineers.
The Orbital Space Lunar Programme’s academic component, including the Lunar Mission Boot Camp, is specifically designed to engage and educate emerging space innovators and provide them with hands-on experience in lunar research.
Founded in 2018, Orbital Space specialises in space missions and scientific research. As a trailblazer in commercial space exploration within the Arab world, the company partners with both public and private entities to make space more accessible for all.
Featured image: AGH Lunar Technologies Student Research Club members who developed the winning Lunaris project. Credit: AGH University of Science and Technology.
Last Updated on 4 months by Arnold Pinto
