The UAE is planning to send an unmanned probe to Mars by 2021, marking the Arab world’s first mission to another planet.
A UAE space agency will be created to oversee the UAE’s space programme sector and to supervise the missions. The announcement makes the UAE one of nine countries with space programmes to explore Mars. The probe’s 60 million kilometer journey will be taking nine month to complete.
“Despite all the tensions and the conflicts across the Middle East, we have proved today how positive a contribution the Arab people can make to humanity through great achievements, given the right circumstances and ingredients. Our region is a region of civilization. Our destiny is, once again, to explore, to create, to build and to civilize.” Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said
The mission will be led by Emiratis, the Red Planet project would be a turning point in the UAE’s development, establishing the space technology sector as a key component of the national economy for years to come, national news agency WAM said.
The UAE is already investing in space technologies and is estimated to have already funded more than Dhs20 billion in projects like Al Yah Satellite Communications, mobile satellite communication company, Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications and Earth mapping and observation system and Dubai Sat.
“We chose the epic challenge of reaching Mars because epic challenges inspire us and motivate us. The moment we stop taking on such challenges is the moment we stop moving forward,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid added.
Full press release here.
