After two delays caused by unstable weather, the much-anticipated launch of the UAE's Hope probe is less than 12 hours away. The Emirates Mars Mission is the result of countless hours of dedicated efforts by a team of Emirati engineers, scientists and their partners around the world. But it is also the fruit of a strong and visionary leadership that has been at the forefront of encouraging the nation on to "achieve the impossible" in space innovation.
We discussed pre-flight preparations with the Mars mission team at the launch site in Japan & the control station in Dubai. We are days away from the UAE Hope probe's highly-anticipated launch to Mars that will inspire the young generation to make the impossible, possible. pic.twitter.com/XCG1ZvaVl6 - HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) July 18, 2020
As the UAE looks to make history yet again, here are 10 inspiring quotes about the mission from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, ahead of the big lift-off: 1. "The Emirates Mars Mission will be a great contribution to human knowledge, a milestone for Arab civilisation, and a real investment for future generations."
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
2. "This probe represents hope for millions of young Arabs looking for a better future. There is no future, no achievement, no life without hope." 3. "Our space mission is aimed at serving humanity." 4. "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."
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
5. "The Emirates Mars Mission is a strategic investment in our human capital and an investment in our human capital is a winning investment. Future generations will reap the rewards of our investment in science and knowledge." 6. "Space is the gateway to science. and science is the driver to future economy."
Space is the gateway to Science .. and Science is the driver to future Economy.. pic.twitter.com/Hj30qJQ1dL - HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) July 7, 2020
7. "The Hope Probe embodies the culture of possibilities deeply rooted in the UAE's approach, philosophy and journey of accelerating development since the foundation." 8. "Reaching Mars is not only a scientific goal; it also sends a message to our future generation that we are capable and nothing is impossible with hope."
The Hope Probe represents a turning point for the Arab and Islamic world in the space sector. Reaching Mars is not only a scientific goal; it also sends a message to our future generation that we are capable and nothing is impossible with hope. pic.twitter.com/e1NtICcHRo - HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 25, 2020
9. "The UAE's launch of the Hope Probe to Mars. will be a watershed moment between two important time periods for our country, 50 years ago and 50 years to come."
.@HHShkMohd: The #UAE's launch of the Hope Probe to Mars in two weeks will be a watershed moment between two important time periods for our country, 50 years ago and 50 years to come. pic.twitter.com/EyrFtRcjaV - Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 1, 2020
10. "Our journey to space represents a message of hope to every Arab citizen that we have the innovation, resilience and efforts to compete with the greatest of nations in the race for knowledge."
Karen Ann Monsy is Associate Editor, overseeing digital operations in the newsroom. She sees the world through headlines and SEO keywords - and loves building people and teams.