The UAE has achieved a significant breakthrough in its space programme with the successful test launch of the country’s first fully UAE-built hybrid rocket in Abu Dhabi.
The sounding rocket was launched from a remote island off the emirate’s coast and reached an altitude of around 3 kilometres before safely descending back to Earth with a parachute recovery system. The mission demonstrated the UAE’s capability to design, develop and operate advanced rocket systems using local technology and expertise.
Developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, the 13kg rocket completed a successful flight reaching speeds of nearly 1,100 km/h. Engineers recovered the rocket after landing, enabling the collection of valuable flight data and confirming the performance of the propulsion and structural systems.
The rocket features a fully UAE-designed hybrid propulsion system using nitrous oxide and polyethylene fuel, a safe and efficient combination widely used in suborbital research missions.
Sounding rockets are used to test space technologies in real flight conditions before they are applied to larger launch systems. The successful mission represents a major step toward the UAE’s long-term goal of developing independent space launch capabilities.
Experts say the achievement strengthens the UAE’s position as a regional leader in innovation and supports its vision of becoming a global hub for advanced space technology.
