Abu Dhabi test-launches first fully UAE-built hybrid rocket in milestone for space ambitions

Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has test-launched the UAE’s first fully UAE-designed and operated hybrid sounding rocket, a 13kg vehicle that lifted off from a remote island off Abu Dhabi at 12.21pm on Friday and reached an altitude of 3km before deploying a parachute for safe recovery. The two-and-a-half-year, in-house development programme validated the rocket’s structural integrity, avionics, recovery systems and propulsion — all built and tested domestically — and marked a step toward a national launch capability.

Direct quote

“This launch is a defining moment for science and engineering in the UAE,” said Najwa Aaraj, chief executive of TII. “It demonstrates that we can lead in the development of breakthrough technologies, not only in labs, but in real-world, high-stakes environments. This is the first step in building a national launch capability powered by UAE talent and ambition.”

Context and technical details

The sounding rocket, described by TII as the country’s first hybrid rocket with a fully UAE-designed, tested and operated propulsion system, used a hybrid motor that pairs nitrous oxide and polyethylene — a combination TII characterised as safer and cost-effective for suborbital research and early-stage launch vehicles. Elias Tsoutsanis, chief researcher at TII’s Propulsion and Space Research Centre, said the programme delivered a complete domestic capability: “Historically for propulsion, the rocket motor was the one critical element that had to be sourced from abroad. Now we have the know-how of designing, building, testing and launching a system that has this technology.”

• Mass: 13kg
• Launch time and location: 12.21pm on Friday from a remote island off Abu Dhabi
• Peak altitude: 3 kilometres
• Top speed: 300 metres per second (approximately 1,100kph, per TII)
• Propulsion: hybrid motor using nitrous oxide and polyethylene
• Recovery: parachute deployed for component recovery and reuse
• Development timeline: two-and-a-half years, led by a team of 15 engineers and researchers

TII said every element — the engine, injectors, tanks, control systems and avionics — was designed, built and tested in the UAE. The rocket’s structure was manufactured using advanced techniques and high-performance carbon-fibre materials to make it both strong and lightweight. Tsoutsanis detailed the mission’s critical moments: “The rocket performed exactly as it was designed to, it reached 3km in altitude, travelled at 300 metres per second. This is approximately 1,100kph, just to give a rough estimate. At its maximum altitude of 3km, it deployed a parachute and then we were able to recover components of the sounding rocket.” He emphasised the importance of recovery for analysis and reuse, and the emotional relief for the team as telemetry and visual confirmation validated the mission.

Outlook

TII framed the flight as a stepping stone toward higher-altitude operations and a broader UAE launch ecosystem. “This milestone positions UAE to one of the sovereign space countries. With this technology, we're essentially demonstrating that UAE can develop systems that can scale up, enable technology advancement on future rocket development programmes and advanced research missions,” Mr Tsoutsanis said. The institute plans to leverage the programme’s in-house experience to scale capabilities, expand launch infrastructure and pursue further aerospace research and development.