You’ve probably noticed that iconic UAE landmarks are lit up bright red at the moment, and that people are talking about Mars way more than usual.
Why you ask? Well, one of the UAE’s most ambitious and significant projects ever launched, the UAE Mars Mission, is fast-approaching its final destination.
In short, the Hope Probe launched last year is homing in on Martian orbit and it’s a big week for the UAE, the GCC and for the global space community as a whole.
Below are all the deets on how to watch Hope Probe live as it enters Mars’ orbit, as well as some key info to get you up to speed on the groundbreaking mission.
What is the UAE Mars Mission?
Back in 2013 the UAE Space Agency was established and began plans to launch a probe into space to orbit Mars and mark the UAE’s golden jubilee.
Becoming the first Arab nation to attempt space exploration is a significant milestone for the region and for the UAE as it sets its sights on the stars (and planets).
The Hope Probe was launched on Thursday July 20, 2020 from Japan and began its 493million km journey at a speed of 121,000 kph, finally reaching the Red Planet on Tuesday February 9, 2021.
Seven months after lift off the Hope Probe is set to enter the critical stages of the mission to enter the Martian orbit.
Why is it important?
The UAE Mars Mission is one of the most significant space missions ever attempted by a country in the region.
Making impressive strides, the UAE is aiming to enter the space race and contribute astronauts and research to the global space community and support humanity’s efforts to explore outer space.
The UAE Mars Mission has a number of key objectives, mostly with the aim to gain new insights and understanding of the terrain and atmosphere on Mars.
A huge number of data collecting instruments are part of the Hope Probe that will help to record crucial information to send back to Earth, which will then be shared with as many as 200 academic and scientific institutions around the world.
What can I expect?
Sheikh Mohammed confirmed that the mission has a 50 percent success rate in entering Mars’ orbit.
The mission includes slowing the Hope Probe down rapidly for it to enter orbit around the planet.
Ensuring this is a complex maneuver and involves slowing the spacecraft down from 121,000kph to 18,000kph.
If successful, the first images of Mars are expected to be sent back to Earth seven days later.
All eyes will be on the final hours of the approach to see if the mission has been a success.
Where can I watch it?
The Hope Probe is set to begin its final approach on Tuesday February 9, 2021.
The final stages are set to take place at 6.30pm GST and you can watch it all unfold live by visiting www.emiratesmarsmission.ae.
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