Official logo of Emirates Lunar Mission unveiled

The official logo of the Emirates Lunar Mission (ELM) has been unveiled by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

The logo bears the personal signature of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who established modern Dubai.

It also features the UAE flag as well as seven stars representing the seven Emirates, while the colours of the logo are inspired by the colour scheme on the surface of the moon.

The Emirates Lunar Mission was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in September.

Designed and fully developed by an Emirati team, the mission supports the UAE’s efforts to develop the space sector in the region.

The project includes the development and launch of 'Rashid', the first Emirati lunar rover, named after the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, one of the UAE’s founding fathers, who played a significant role in the formation of the Union and whose vision had an impact on every sector. His legacy has inspired the first Arab mission to the Moon.

Scientific contributions

The Rashid Lunar Rover will land on an area of the Moon’s surface that has not been studied or explored by any previous lunar exploration mission.

The ELM is an ambitious national project that is part of the MBRSC's 2021-2031 strategy to enhance global competitiveness and forge strategic partnerships as well as open a new phase of exploration in space, technology fields and other related industries. 

An ideal platform

A moon mission is an ideal opportunity to test new technologies and equipment that can be used in future space explorations, including Mars.

Landing on the moon also allows for long-term exposure of sensors and other technologies to the space environment. The Lunar Rover will test new exploration techniques on the Moon, which will help assess the UAE’s capabilities before embarking on manned missions to Mars.

Furthermore, the impact of these developments will extend beyond the space sector into other vital sectors and serve as an inspiration for the region’s youth.

It is also expected to spark off a scientific renaissance and the rapid development of space technologies, which will help the people of the Arab world lead future transformations within the region and around the world.

The Emirates Lunar Mission is part of the Mars 2117 Programme, which aims to build the first human settlement on Mars. MBRSC is overseeing the development, testing, and other aspects of the mission, which is funded by the ICT Fund that operates under the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) unveils the logo of the Emirates Lunar Mission (ELM), the first Emirati and Arab mission to explore the Moon, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in September.https://t.co/QflhDeSRCF pic.twitter.com/qhrjC8DgcC

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 23, 2020

Proudly displaying the UAE flag with seven stars representing the seven United Arab Emirates, this logo represents an ambitious lunar exploration project that bears the mark of this great nation and its quest to venture into a prosperous, brighter future for all of mankind. pic.twitter.com/X4EtRQKEge

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) November 23, 2020