The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched its first mars mission 'Hope Probe' to space from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan today. The UAE's space agency says that the 'Hope Probe' is functioning properly and sending signals since launch. At the same time, the United Nations (UN) has praised this mission of the UAE, saying that the Mars mission of the UAE is a contribution to the whole world.
Simonetta de Pippo, director of the United Nations Office of Space Affairs, said the UAE is always looking forward to the future, it is our wonderful partner. In an interview with Vienna on Skype, she said, "I am excited about Hope Probe." This suggests that the UAE is indeed becoming a key player in the space sector. It is very interesting that a country that did not have a space program or a space agency until a few years ago is now able to launch mission to Mars, said De Pippo, on the launching of 'Hope Probe.'
The 'Hope Probe' is expected to reach Mars orbit by February 2021. It has three instruments that will study the upper atmosphere of Mars and collect information about climate change. The UAE said it would reveal a complete picture of the atmosphere of Mars in different climates for the first time.
For the first time, the UAE has handed over the command of the space mission to female scientist Sarah Al Amiri. Sarah told in an interview that her entire team has given 6 years in this mission. Sarah previously worked as a software engineer at Dubai's Rashi Space Center. She holds a degree in Computer Science from the American University of Sharjah.
