The UAE leaders reviewed the Hope probe’s pre-flight preparations days before its historic launch to Mars from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center in the first ever Arab interplanetary mission.

 

Through a video meeting, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC), were briefed on the range of technical tasks overseen by the space mission’s team.

 

 

The UAE leaders reviewed the final technical and logistical checks of the Hope probe, which will provide the first truly global picture of the Martian atmosphere. 

 

They listened to the plans set to manage the several launch phases before expressing their unflinching confidence in the team’s capability of effectively managing and executing the historic mission despite any rising challenges.

 

They praised the relentless coordination and efforts of the Emirati teams at both the launch site in Japan and the ground station in Dubai to transfer the probe on time for its initial launch amid the health and logistical challenges posed by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

 

The video meeting was held with the Emirati launch team in Japan and 21 engineers from the UAE Space Agency and MBRSC stationed at the mission control room in Dubai’s Al Khawaneej.

 

Addressing the launch team in Japan, Sheikh Mohammed said: "In 1976, the late Sheikh Zayed met Nasa experts because space was his ambition. Today, you are making his dream come true."

 

"The young capacities and engineers who have learned and reached to this stage today is what the whole project is about," he remarked.

 

The UAE Prime Minister said: "We are proud to have our leader Mohamed bin Zayed with us today to support you."

 

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed conveyed regards from the UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan Al Nahyan to the team in Japan and said: "We are certain that we will live up to the trust and confidence of our ancestors who established this home for us and granted us stability, prosperity and bright future."

 

Lauding Sheikh Mohammed's efforts and determination, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said: "We see these young talents today bringing pride to us, their families, their country and the Arab world." 

 

"This historic event would not have been possible without the devotion, determination and persistence of my brother Mohammed bin Rashid to make this day a milestone in our lives and in the journey of our nation. You were the main factor behind this event," he added.

 

The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince said: "Today marks a milestone in the history of UAE and the Arab nation because this unprecedented achievement is for all the Arabs." 

 

"The fact that this achievement was crafted by Emirati hands certainly makes it a historic day. It brings great honor to me and the people of UAE – citizens and residents. I am sure that the heart of every Emirati is with us today."

 

Addressing the team, Sheikh Hamdan said: "We look forward to celebrating the first transmission from the Hope probe together when it begins its journey to the Red Planet. The Mars data gathered by the probe will be a scientific discovery dedicated for the benefit of humanity."

 

"This achievement is from the UAE’s Mars mission team to the rest of the Arab world. It’s an invitation from the UAE to Arab youth and scientists to join us for new scientific achievements. We have entered the space era and more missions await us. We need all the innovative Arab minds on board," he added.

 

The mission’s launch team in Japan has completed final testing and technical checks to prepare the Hope Probe for takeoff following the multiple delays caused by the unstable weather conditions on site.-TradeArabia News Service