Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd, (MHI) has successfully delivered the Emirates Mars Mission’s (EMM) HOPE spacecraft developed by the UAE Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) into orbit today via its H-IIA launch vehicle F42. About 57min after lift-off, separation of the HOPE spacecraft was confirmed.

HOPE will be the first probe to provide a complete picture of the Martian atmosphere and its layers when it reaches the Red Planet in 2021 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the UAE.

His Excellency Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said:“The successful launch of the EMM HOPE Probe – the first interplanetary mission undertaken by any Arab nation – is a key milestone in the UAE’s history.

This mission exemplifies the ability of Emiratis to undertake ambitious missions. With this achievement, the UAE has become the youngest nation to successfully launch a mission to Mars within six years of project commencement. The success of HOPE Probe is a huge leap forward for the UAE's ambitious space programme.”

H E Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, chairman of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, said: “The successful launch of the Emirates Mars Mission ‘HOPE Probe’ is an outcome of seamless collaboration and tireless efforts by all the teams involved.

“Together, we overcame the challenges, and in a remarkable feat of human ingenuity and dedication, achieved this milestone as per schedule. This mission embodies the UAE's commitment to contribute to the future of humankind through scientific exploration and knowledge-sharing.

“As we reach for Mars to accelerate the development of space, education, science, and technology sectors, the first Arab interplanetary mission symbolises a new era of progress for the region.”