The UAE sent its first astronaut to space last year, and today has announced it will be sending a probe to Mars this July.
The launch is being called the Emirates Mars Mission, and will feature an unmanned probe named Hope. It will be the first interplanetary exploration undertaken by an Arab Nation.
According to Arabian Business, Emirates Mars Mission say the probe would head into outer space on July 15, from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Centre. The rocket is being made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
The probe recently completely its transfer from the UAE where it was built to Japan – which took more than 83 hours by land, air and sea.
Since arriving in Japan, the Hope probe has been ready for launch. The process takes more than 50 days, and includes filling its fuel tank (ith more than 700kg of hydrogen fuel) and ensuring there are no contaminants or leaks.
Pre-launch checks also include testing communications and control devices, before the probe is moved to the launch pad and bolted on to the rocket that will carry it into space.
The probe will travel 495-million kilometres on its journey to the Red Planet.
“The challenges overcome by the Hope Probe team amidst the global pandemic confirm the UAE mission’s commitment to achieve the impossible,” said Sarah bint Youssef Al-Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and Emirates Mars mission deputy project manager.
“It is a mentality that has now been embedded within the current and future generations,” she added. “This mission embodies the nation’s aspirations, sends a positive message to the world and demonstrates the importance of carrying on unabated despite barriers and challenges.”
It’s thought the Hope Probe will enter Mars’ orbit in February of next year (around about the same time the UAE celebrates its golden jubilee celebrations of the country’s union in 1971.
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