The United Arab Emirates successfully launched its first mission to Mars early on Monday, as the Hope Probe blasted off from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center at 1:58 a.m. UAE time / 6:58 a.m. Japanese time Monday on a seven-month journey to the red planet. Once the probe arrives, it wil orbit the planet and then send back data about the atmosphere. Read more for two videos, including a livestream, and additional information.
The $200-million Emirates Mars Mission aims to provide a complete picture of the Martian atmosphere for the first time by studying daily and seasonal changes. UAE announced the initial plans bsck in 2014 and launched a National Space Program in 2017 to develop local expertise. Taking it one step further, the team announced an ambitious plan to build a Mars settlement by 2117. However, to develop and build the Hope Probe, Emiratis and Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) partnered with U.S. educational institutions.
- Features a detailed replica of the Eagle lunar lander with a depiction of the lunar surface, with a crater, footprints and a U.S. flag
- This modular model features a descent stage with gold-colored landing pads and panels, opening camera, laser hatches, and a movable ladder
- The ascent stage has a detailed interior with room for 2 astronauts. The model is finished with an Apollo 11 Lunar Lander nameplate
