Space & Satellites
Firefly Aerospace UAE Rashid 2 Rover to Moon Far Side 2026
Firefly Aerospace and UAE’s MBRSC deploy Rashid 2 rover to Moon’s far side in 2026 via Blue Ghost Mission 2, advancing lunar exploration with international partners.
In a significant leap forward for international space collaboration, Firefly Aerospace has announced the addition of the United Arab Emirates’ Rashid 2 rover to its Blue Ghost Mission 2. Scheduled for 2026, this mission will deliver multiple international payloads, including the UAE’s lunar rover, to the far side of the Moon. This decision not only underscores the growing capabilities of private aerospace companies like Firefly but also highlights the UAE’s expanding role in global space exploration.
The far side of the Moon remains one of the least explored regions of our nearest celestial neighbor. Its isolation from Earth’s radio frequencies makes it ideal for certain scientific missions, yet its remoteness poses unique challenges. The deployment of Rashid 2 via Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander is a strategic move that aims to overcome these challenges while contributing valuable data to the broader lunar ecosystem.
With participation from the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, and Australian entities, this mission represents a convergence of scientific, technological, and diplomatic interests. It also aligns with NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, which seeks to leverage commercial capabilities to deliver science and technology payloads to the Moon.
Firefly Aerospace, headquartered in Cedar Park, Texas, is leading this ambitious mission through its Blue Ghost lunar lander. The lander is designed to deliver a range of payloads to the Moon’s surface, focusing on scientific research, technology demonstration, and infrastructure development. Blue Ghost Mission 2 follows the company’s successful first lunar mission, which marked the first fully successful commercial Moon landing in March 2025.
Alongside the Rashid 2 rover, the mission will carry Australia’s Fleet Space SPIDER payload, NASA’s LuSEE-Night radio telescope, and the European Space Agency’s Lunar Pathfinder satellite. These payloads will be deployed in lunar orbit and on the Moon’s surface, enabling a diverse set of scientific objectives.
The mission will also utilize Firefly’s Elytra orbital vehicle, which will remain in lunar orbit to provide long-haul communications and radio frequency calibration services for LuSEE-Night. This dual-role deployment—orbital and surface—enhances mission flexibility and scientific return.
“We’re honored to support the international space community with our versatile Blue Ghost lander and Elytra spacecraft that can stack together to provide unique access to both lunar orbit and the lunar surface,” Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace The Rashid 2 rover is being developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in the UAE. It builds upon the legacy of the first Rashid rover, incorporating lessons learned and technological upgrades. The rover is designed to demonstrate lunar surface mobility and test in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies, which are essential for long-term lunar habitation.
One of the key innovations in Rashid 2 is the use of various materials on its wheels to evaluate their durability against lunar dust—a notoriously abrasive and persistent challenge. The rover will also carry multiple cameras and scientific instruments to study the Moon’s plasma environment, geology, and thermal conditions. This data will be instrumental in guiding the development of future lunar infrastructure, including habitats, spacesuits, and other critical systems required for sustained human presence on the Moon.
The inclusion of Rashid 2 in Blue Ghost Mission 2 marks a significant milestone for the UAE. As H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, noted, this mission will make the UAE one of the few nations to explore the far side of the Moon. The scientific data collected will not only benefit the UAE but also contribute to the global repository of lunar knowledge.
From Firefly’s perspective, this collaboration enhances the company’s reputation as a reliable commercial partner in lunar exploration. It also reinforces the goals of NASA’s Artemis Accords, which promote peaceful and cooperative exploration of space among participating nations.
By integrating international payloads, Firefly is helping to democratize access to lunar science and technology, enabling smaller space agencies to participate in high-impact missions without the need for independent launch capabilities.
NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program is a cornerstone of the Artemis strategy. It aims to engage private companies to deliver science and technology payloads to the Moon, reducing costs and fostering innovation. Firefly Aerospace is one of several companies awarded contracts under this initiative, which is valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
By leveraging commercial capabilities, NASA can focus its resources on human exploration while still achieving its scientific objectives on the lunar surface. CLPS also accelerates the development of lunar technologies by introducing market competition and private-sector efficiency.
Firefly’s involvement in CLPS not only validates its technical capabilities but also positions it as a key player in the emerging lunar economy. The success of Blue Ghost Mission 2 could open doors for future contracts and collaborations.
In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) is a game-changing concept in space exploration. Instead of relying solely on Earth-based supplies, ISRU aims to extract and use local materials—such as lunar regolith, water ice, and minerals—to support operations. This approach can significantly reduce mission costs and increase sustainability. The Rashid 2 rover will conduct experiments to assess the feasibility of ISRU on the far side of the Moon. These experiments are aligned with long-term goals of establishing lunar bases, where astronauts could potentially extract oxygen, water, and even construction materials from the Moon itself.
Successful demonstrations of ISRU could pave the way for more ambitious missions, including Mars exploration, by proving that extraterrestrial resources can be harnessed effectively.
“The mission will deliver valuable scientific data on the lunar surface, plasma environment, and dust behavior, contributing to global knowledge and supporting future lunar infrastructure development,” H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, MBRSC The far side of the Moon is both a scientific treasure trove and a logistical challenge. Its radio silence makes it ideal for radio astronomy, but the lack of direct line-of-sight to Earth complicates communication. Firefly’s Elytra spacecraft will address this by providing relay services for the LuSEE-Night radio telescope and other payloads.
This capability is crucial for enabling continuous data transmission and real-time rover operations. It also sets a precedent for future missions that may target similarly remote or difficult-to-access lunar regions.
In the broader context, these developments reflect a shift toward more complex and collaborative lunar missions. As more countries and companies join the lunar race, the need for interoperable systems and shared infrastructure will only grow.
Firefly Aerospace’s partnership with the UAE to deliver the Rashid 2 rover to the far side of the Moon is a landmark moment in commercial and international space exploration. The mission combines cutting-edge technology, strategic diplomacy, and scientific ambition, serving as a blueprint for future lunar endeavors.
By facilitating this collaboration, Firefly is not only advancing its own capabilities but also contributing to a broader ecosystem of lunar exploration. The success of Blue Ghost Mission 2 could catalyze further international partnerships, accelerate ISRU research, and bring us one step closer to a sustainable human presence beyond Earth.
What is the goal of the Rashid 2 rover? Who is leading the Blue Ghost Mission 2? Why is the far side of the Moon significant?
Firefly Aerospace and the UAE Unite for Lunar Exploration: Rashid 2 Rover Heads to the Far Side of the Moon
Mission Overview and Technological Goals
Blue Ghost Mission 2: A Multi-National Endeavor
Rashid 2 Rover: Engineering for the Extreme
Strategic Implications and International Collaboration
The Role of CLPS and the Growing Lunar Economy
NASA’s CLPS Initiative and Commercial Partnerships
ISRU and the Path to Lunar Sustainability
Challenges and Opportunities on the Far Side
Conclusion
FAQ
The Rashid 2 rover aims to demonstrate lunar surface mobility and test in-situ resource utilization technologies on the far side of the Moon.
Firefly Aerospace is leading the mission, with payloads from the UAE, NASA, ESA, and Australia.
The far side is less explored and ideal for radio astronomy due to its radio silence. It also offers unique geological features for scientific study.
Sources
Photo Credit: ESA
Space & Satellites
Lockheed Martin Awarded $1.1B Contract for SDA Tranche 3 Satellites
Lockheed Martin secured a $1.1B contract to build 18 Tranche 3 satellites for the Space Development Agency’s missile tracking and defense network.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has been awarded a major contract with a potential value of approximately $1.1 billion by the Space-Agencies (SDA). Announced on December 19, 2025, the agreement tasks the aerospace giant with producing 18 space vehicles for the Tranche 3 Tracking Layer (TRKT3) constellation. These satellites are a critical component of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a network designed to detect, track, and target advanced missile threats, including hypersonic systems.
This award represents a significant portion of a broader $3.5 billion investment by the SDA, which simultaneously issued Contracts to Rocket Lab, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris. Together, these companies will construct a combined total of 72 satellites. According to the announcement, Lockheed Martin’s specific allotment of satellites is scheduled for launch in Fiscal Year 2029.
Under the terms of the agreement, Lockheed Martin will deliver 18 missile warning, tracking, and defense space vehicles. Unlike traditional legacy programs that often take a decade to field, the SDA operates on a rapid “spiral development” model, fielding new generations, or “tranches”, every two years. Tranche 3 is particularly significant as it represents the “Sustained Capability” generation, designed to replenish and replace earlier satellites while introducing advanced fire-control capabilities.
The satellites will be manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s SmallSat Processing & Delivery Center in Colorado. The company confirmed that Terran Orbital will continue to serve as a key supplier, providing the satellite buses. This continuation of the supply chain partnership aims to maintain production stability across the various tranches.
A defining feature of the Tranche 3 Tracking Layer is the inclusion of “fire-control quality” tracking. While previous iterations focused primarily on warning and tracking, half of the payloads in this new constellation are designated for missile defense. This means the satellites can generate data precise enough to guide an interceptor to destroy a threat, rather than simply monitoring its trajectory.
“The Tracking Layer of Tranche 3… will significantly increase the coverage and accuracy needed to close kill chains against advanced adversary threats. The constellation will include a mix of missile warning and missile tracking, with half the constellation’s payloads supporting advanced missile defense missions.”
Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo, Acting Director, Space Development Agency
With this latest award, Lockheed Martin’s total backlog with the SDA has grown to 124 space vehicles across multiple tranches. This reinforces the company’s position as a dominant player in the rapid-acquisition space sector. The SDA’s strategy involves splitting awards among multiple vendors to foster competition and reduce industrial base risk. The $3.5 billion total funding for Tranche 3 was distributed as follows:
Lockheed Martin and Rocket Lab received higher contract values, which industry analysts attribute to the complexity of the defense-specific payloads included in their respective lots.
“Lockheed Martin’s ongoing investments and evolving practices demonstrate our commitment to supporting the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. These innovative approaches position Lockheed Martin to meet the warfighter’s urgent need for a proliferated missile defense constellation.”
Joe Rickers, Vice President of Transport, Tracking and Warning, Lockheed Martin
The awarding of the Tranche 3 contracts highlights a pivotal shift in U.S. defense strategy toward “proliferated” architectures. By deploying hundreds of smaller, cheaper satellites rather than a handful of large, expensive targets (“Big Juicy Targets”), the U.S. Space Force aims to increase resilience against anti-satellite weapons. If an adversary destroys one node in a mesh network of hundreds, the system remains operational.
Furthermore, the explicit mention of “fire-control quality tracks” signals that the PWSA is moving from a passive observation role to an active engagement support role. This is a direct response to the development of hypersonic glide vehicles by peer adversaries, which fly too low for traditional ground-based Radar-Systems to track effectively. The reliance on Terran Orbital for satellite buses also underscores the critical nature of supply chain continuity; as production rates increase to meet the two-year launch cycles, prime contractors are prioritizing established supplier relationships to minimize delay risks.
Lockheed Martin Secures $1.1 Billion Contract for SDA Tranche 3 Tracking Layer
Contract Specifications and Deliverables
Advanced Fire-Control Capabilities
Strategic Context and Industry Landscape
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Space & Satellites
Venturi Space Completes Driving Tests for MONA-LUNA Lunar Rover
Venturi Space successfully tests MONA-LUNA lunar rover at ESA’s LUNA facility, validating key mobility and wheel tech for a 2030 Moon mission.
This article is based on an official press release from Venturi Space.
Venturi Space has announced the successful completion of the first driving tests for its MONA-LUNA lunar rover. Conducted at the European Space Agency’s (ESA) newly inaugurated LUNA analog facility in Cologne, Germany, these tests mark a pivotal step in Europe’s roadmap toward autonomous lunar exploration. The rover, designed to be “100% European,” demonstrated its capability to navigate loose regolith and steep inclines, validating key technologies intended for a targeted 2030 mission to the Moon’s South Pole.
According to the company’s announcement, the tests focused on mobility, obstacle traversal, and the durability of onboard electronic systems under simulated lunar conditions. The successful campaign confirms the viability of Venturi’s proprietary wheel technology and sets the stage for further development leading up to integration with the European Argonaut lander.
The testing campaign took place at the LUNA facility, a joint operation by ESA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) that opened in September 2024. The facility features a 700-square-meter hall filled with 900 tonnes of regolith simulant, volcanic powder derived from the Eifel region, designed to mimic the surface of the Moon. The environment also replicates the unique lighting conditions of the lunar South Pole, providing a high-fidelity testing ground for robotic systems.
Venturi Space reports that the MONA-LUNA rover exceeded initial performance targets during these Test-Flights. Specifically, the vehicle successfully climbed slopes of up to 33 degrees and navigated large rocky obstacles without losing traction. A primary objective was to verify that the rover would not sink into the loose soil, a common hazard in lunar exploration.
A critical component validated during these tests was the rover’s “hyper-deformable” wheel technology. Invented by Venturi, these wheels are designed to absorb shocks and maximize the contact patch with the ground, providing necessary grip on soft, unstable surfaces. Dr. Antonio Delfino, Director of Space Affairs at Venturi Space, emphasized the importance of this validation.
“The main objective… was to validate the rover’s mobility in conditions representative of a lunar surface, with a particular focus on the interaction between its hyper-deformable wheels and a highly realistic regolith simulant.”
Dr. Antonio Delfino, Venturi Space
The MONA-LUNA is engineered to serve as a logistics and exploration vehicle capable of surviving the harsh lunar environment. According to technical details released by Venturi Space, the rover weighs approximately 750 kg, with the capacity to extend to 1,000 kg depending on specific mission payloads. It is capable of speeds up to 20 km/h (approximately 12.4 mph). The vehicle is electrically powered, utilizing solar panels and three high-performance batteries. Crucially, the rover is built to endure the extreme thermal variations of the lunar cycle, with a stated operating range of -240°C to +110°C. It is equipped with a robotic arm for scientific tasks and is designed to carry cargo or, in emergency scenarios, an astronaut.
The development of MONA-LUNA represents a strategic shift toward European independence in space logistics. Currently, much of the global lunar infrastructure relies on non-European Partnerships. By developing a sovereign rover capable of launching on an Ariane 6 rocket and landing via the European Argonaut lander (developed by Thales Alenia Space), Europe is securing its own access to the lunar surface.
This autonomy is further supported by Venturi’s industrial expansion. The company plans to open a new 10,000-square-meter facility in Toulouse, France, by 2028. This factory will employ approximately 150 engineers dedicated to the Manufacturing of the MONA-LUNA, signaling a long-term industrial commitment beyond the initial prototype phase.
While the MONA-LUNA is targeted for a 2030 launch, Venturi Space has outlined an incremental approach to technology validation. Before the full-sized rover reaches the Moon, a smaller “sister” rover named FLIP (FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform) is scheduled to launch in 2026.
Developed in partnership with the U.S. company Venturi Astrolab, FLIP will fly on a commercial mission with Astrobotic. This earlier mission will serve as a “pathfinder,” testing the same batteries and wheel technologies in the actual lunar environment four years before the MONA-LUNA mission. Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi Space, expressed confidence in the current progress following the Cologne tests.
“Seeing MONA LUNA operate on the legendary LUNA site is a profound source of pride… We know we have only completed 1% of the journey that, I hope, will take us to the Moon.”
Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi Space
The successful completion of these driving tests at the LUNA facility confirms that the foundational mobility technologies required for Europe’s 2030 lunar ambitions are now operational in a relevant environment.
Venturi Space Successfully Tests “MONA-LUNA” Rover at ESA’s New Lunar Facility
Validating Mobility in a Simulated Lunar Environment
Performance of Hyper-Deformable Wheels
Technical Specifications and Mission Profile
AirPro News Analysis: The Push for European Autonomy
Future Roadmap: From FLIP to MONA-LUNA
Sources
Photo Credit: Venturi Space
Space & Satellites
Skyroot Aerospace Sets Launch Window for Vikram-1 Orbital Rocket
Skyroot Aerospace prepares for Vikram-1’s maiden orbital launch in early 2026 from Sriharikota, focusing on tech validation with reduced payload.
This article summarizes reporting by India Today and Sibu Tripathi.
Skyroot Aerospace, India’s pioneering private space technology firm, has commenced final preparations for the maiden orbital launch of its Vikram-1 rocket. According to reporting by India Today, the launch vehicle has been transported to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, with the company targeting a Launch window within the next two months.
This mission marks a critical transition for the Hyderabad-based company, moving from suborbital demonstration to full orbital capability. While the primary goal is reaching Low Earth Orbit (LEO), company leadership has emphasized that the inaugural flight is primarily a validation exercise for their proprietary technology.
As of mid-December 2025, the first stage of the Vikram-1 rocket has arrived at the spaceport in Sriharikota. India Today reports that integration and assembly operations are currently underway at the launch site. Skyroot co-founder Bharath Daka indicated that all subsystems are expected to be ready within approximately one month, followed by a final round of validation checks.
Based on this timeline, the launch is projected to occur in early 2026 (January or February). This schedule aligns with the company’s rapid development pace following the inauguration of their new Manufacturing facility, the Infinity Campus, in November 2025.
Maiden flights of new orbital class rockets carry significant risk, a reality Skyroot leadership is openly acknowledging. To mitigate potential losses, the rocket will carry a reduced payload. India Today notes that the vehicle will fly with approximately 25% of its maximum payload capacity to de-risk the mission.
While orbital insertion is the ultimate objective, the company has set incremental benchmarks for success. Speaking to India Today, Bharath Daka emphasized that surviving the initial phases of flight would be a major technical victory.
“We will consider the mission a meaningful achievement even if the rocket simply clears the launch tower,” Daka told India Today.
In addition to clearing the tower, the engineering team is focused on the vehicle surviving “Max-Q”, the point of maximum aerodynamic pressure, and successfully executing stage separation. These milestones provide critical data for future iterations, regardless of whether the final orbit is achieved on the first attempt. The Vikram-1 represents a significant leap in complexity compared to its predecessor, the Vikram-S, which completed a suborbital test flight in November 2022. Unlike the single-stage suborbital demonstrator, Vikram-1 is a multi-stage launch vehicle designed for the commercial small satellite market.
The upcoming launch of Vikram-1 is a bellwether event for the Indian private space sector. Following the government’s liberalization of the space industry, Skyroot’s progress serves as a test case for India’s ability to foster a commercial ecosystem parallel to the state-run ISRO. If successful, Vikram-1 will position India as a competitive player in the global small satellite launch market, challenging established entities like Rocket Lab. The decision to lower public expectations by focusing on “clearing the tower” is a prudent communication Strategy, common among launch providers facing the high statistical failure rates of debut flights.
When will Vikram-1 launch? Where will the launch take place? What is the primary payload?
Launch Timeline and Status
Managing Expectations for the Maiden Flight
Defining Success
Technical Context: The Vikram-1 Vehicle
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
According to current reports, the launch is targeted for early 2026, likely within January or February.
The mission will launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, India.
Specific payload details have not been fully disclosed, but the rocket will carry a reduced load (approx. 25% capacity) to minimize risk during this test flight.
Sources
Photo Credit: Skyroot Aerospace
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