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UAE's Hope mission to Mars will be a defining moment for the nation, says Sheikh Mohammed

Dubai - He says 'we should be proud of our people and celebrate their success with the world'.

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With the UAE's Hope Probe launch just a couple of weeks away, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday beamed inspiration and shed light on what the mission means for the country.
It will be a defining moment for the UAE, he said, a turning point between the past 50 years of human development and the 50 years to come.

Two weeks to go for the launch of the UAE's Hope Probe to Mars, the first ever Arab mission to the Red Planet. The spacecraft will provide the first global picture of the Martian atmosphere & data will be shared freely with over 200 research centers across the world. pic.twitter.com/X37qfg9MqG
- HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) July 1, 2020

"Today, we see the reward and we rejoice. We should be proud of our people and the celebrate their success with the world," Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.
Hope Probe is scheduled to take off from Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre on July 15 at 00:51:27 UAE time. It is expected to reach the Red Planet in February 2021, marking the 50th anniversary of the Emirates' union in 1971. Currently, it is undergoing extensive testing operations at the launch station in Japan, under the supervision of Emirati engineers.
The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), the first Arab space mission to the Red Planet, remained on track despite the challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. It is, after all, a testament to the UAE's spirit of overcoming the impossible.

The probe was developed by 450 young engineers where women comprised 34% of the team. Through 15 global partnerships with universities & research centers, we look forward to launching the Mars project that will contribute to global efforts in exploring the Red Planet. pic.twitter.com/7Xap53YNzF
- HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) July 1, 2020

"Hope Probe embodies the culture of possibilities deeply rooted in the UAE's approach, philosophy and journey of accelerating development since the foundation," Sheikh Mohammed said, as he reviewed the final preparations for the probe's launch.
He met the team behind the mission, and hailed the hard work of Emirati engineers. This achievement, the UAE Vice-President said, is not only for the Emirates but for every Arab in the world.
"Hope Probe is an accomplishment for every Arab, a source of pride for every Emirati, and a path-breaking achievement for our engineers."
During his meeting with the EMM team, he was briefed on the last stages of pre-launch preparations.
Omran Sharaf, project director of the mission, explained the different tasks assigned to the team leading testing operations.
The Dubai-based space mission's control team are coordinating efforts with the launch team in Japan. They will soon be joined by Emirati engineers and experts who will oversee the launch.
The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).
The Dubai Crown Prince hailed the young Emiratis and experts who have been instrumental in accomplishing the grand mission. "Hope Probe highlights our national treasure of hundreds of young Emirati engineers and experts working on the mission. These young people are part of drafting a beautiful chapter in the UAE's future."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com