Rashid-Twin: Emirati Space Rover Digital Twin Empowered by Artificial Intelligence and Metaverse
Overview
The Rashid mission, led by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), represents a historic milestone as the first Arab-led lunar exploration initiative. Building upon the lessons learned from this mission, the Rashid-Twin project introduces an advanced Emirati Space Satellite Digital Twin powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Metaverse. This initiative aims to create a digital twin of the Rashid Rover, capturing its detailed virtual replica and operational dynamics to predict and address potential challenges in real-time lunar missions.
By integrating AI-driven analytics with metaverse-based simulation, the project enables real-time visualization, interaction, and decision-making within a 3D collaborative environment. This allows engineers, scientists, and space professionals to engage in dynamic problem-solving and system optimization. Beyond mission support, the Rashid-Twin serves as an educational and outreach platform, fostering public engagement and advancing training through immersive virtual experiences.Ultimately, this project strengthens the UAE’s position in space innovation and digital transformation, enhancing mission reliability, reducing costs, and contributing to the nation’s ambitious lunar exploration strategy, paving the path for future extraterrestrial ventures.
Project Team:
Principal Investigator (PI):
- Prof. Wathiq Mansoor
Co-PIs:
- Dr. Yassine Himeur
- Dr. Abigail Copiaco
Dr. Rida Gadhafi - Dr. Husameldin Mukhtar
Researcher:
- Ms. Farah Gulzar
Industry Collaborators:
- Dr. Hamad Al Marzooqi Senior Expert, Emirates Lunar Mission, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)
External Advisors and Collaborators:
- Prof. Amin Beheshti, Macquarie University, Australia