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US restricts UAE’s 'Rashid 2' from boarding China’s mission to Moon.

The United Arab Emirates had planned to send their "Rashid 2" rover as part of the Chang'e 7 mission to the moon, which is expected to launch in 2026. However, US technology transfer restrictions have prevented this from happening.

According to reports, the 1976 International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) have been cited as the reason for the ban. This law prohibits even the most common US-built widgets from being launched aboard Chinese rockets, which would violate the law if the "Rashid 2" rover used US-built components.

While this doesn't mean "Rashid 2" will never go to the moon, it may force the UAE to use authorized partners like Japan and SpaceX again or obtain a license. Critics have called for the ITAR restrictions to be updated, as they are outdated and have significantly impacted the US space industry. European companies are avoiding the ITAR restrictions by producing special product lines that do not use American parts.

According to John Logsdon, a professor emeritus of space policy at George Washington University, "There are a few exceptions for close US allies."

However, in the case of the UAE-China collaboration, a license would be needed to manufacture any US technology subject to ITAR incorporated into the "Rashid 2" rover.

This license or another agreement would have to explain how to keep the technology from getting into Chinese hands. Otherwise, the UAE must obtain permission to allow China access to the technology.

Source: https://interestingengineering.com

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