Speaking during a remote media interview, the Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and Science Lead of the Emirates Mars Mission, Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, said that the Hope Probe is all set to start its historic mission to Mars from Tanegashima Space Station in Japan at 00:51:27 after midnight UAE time on Wednesday, July 15th, 2020.
The launch is the first Arab space mission to Mars and is aimed at exploring the atmosphere of the Red Planet, as well as empowering the youth of the country and paving the way for scientific advances.
The Hope Probe, expected to reach Mars in February 2021, will coincide with the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the UAE and is a national project that highlights the vision of the leadership of the UAE to establish an Emirati space program that reflects the commitment of the country to promote international cooperation and partnerships in finding solutions to global challenges to the well-being of humans.
Al Amiri revealed that the scientific mission of the probe is expected to begin in April 2021, and the team of the mission is currently working 12 hours a day.
“Since its launch six years ago the mission is a journey filled with challenges, as well as knowledge and learning”, she added.
Compared to similar programs, the cost of the Hope Mars Mission is considered among the lowest in the world with an investment of $200 million covering everything from concept to design to construction and launch.
“The UAE government was adamant in finding a relatively low mission cost and at the same time completing in a shorter time,” said Sarah Al Ameri and took the opportunity to thank the government for its continued support.
She said that the UAE creates opportunities for its people before they even think of them and this will inspire everyone to work hard to improve the leadership of the country and uphold its overall achievements.
“Overall the impact of this mission is to further lay grounds on the foundation of science and technology for the UAE’s next 50 years,” she concluded.
The launch next week comes after the UAE sent its first astronaut into space in September last year. Hope Probe is expected to create a strong interest in UAE from around the world.
