The UAE is gearing up for a historic space mission. Rashid Rover 2, the country’s second lunar rover, has passed vital tests in the US. These checks move it one step closer to its 2026 mission on the Moon’s far side, riding Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 2 lander. Before heading out of the UAE, the rover underwent strict environmental and functional tests. In the US, engineers collaborated with Firefly Aerospace to verify how Rashid Rover 2 works with the lander. They tested its electrical systems, software, and mechanical parts. Wireless communication between the rover and the lander was checked. Deployment and drive-off simulations ensured the rover can safely move once on the Moon. Salem Al Marri, head of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, said, "all tests were successful and confirmed the rover is ready." Dr Hamad AlMarzooqi, the mission’s project manager, stressed the focus on "precision and reliability," reflecting UAE’s wider space goals. Rashid Rover 2 will explore the Moon’s far side – the rough, thick crust area that never faces Earth. Equipped with cameras and scientific instruments, it will study surface temperature, soil, plasma environment, and the photoelectron sheath. This data will guide future lunar missions and resource use. The mission is truly global. The rover carries instruments from Australia, NASA, and the European Space Agency. Farah Zuberi from Firefly Aerospace said, "The successful testing brings the mission closer to deployment and will provide new insights into this mysterious region of the Moon." This is the UAE’s second lunar attempt. The first, Rashid Rover 1, launched in December 2022 but was lost in April 2023 when the Japanese lander crashed. Rashid Rover 2 builds on that experience and aims for success. Alongside this, the Arab world made another space milestone. The first joint Arab satellite, named 813, launched from China recently. Built by engineers from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Sudan, Kuwait, Oman, and Lebanon, the 260 kg satellite is for Earth observation and climate data. Salem Al Qubaisi, director general of the UAE Space Agency, said the satellite "builds research capabilities, trains Arab talent in space science, and provides climate data for the region." Rashid Rover 2’s launch is scheduled for early 2026. The 10-day mission aims to make the UAE the second nation ever to land on the Moon’s far side. The rover’s findings will boost future missions and mark the UAE’s rising role in space research.