Updated July 23rd, 2020 at 20:14 IST
UAE's Hope captures first image of Mars after travelling one million km into space
The UAE became an interplanetary country after it launched its first mission to Mars. On July 20, 'Al Amal,' or 'Hope' probe took off from Japan.
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The United Arab Emirates became an interplanetary country after it launched its first mission to Mars. On July 20, 'Al Amal,' or 'Hope' probe took off from Tanegashima Space Centre in, Japan, at 06.58 local time (21.58 GMT) with an assist from a Mitsubishi rocket booster. Recently, Hope took the first photograph of its destination which was shared by the country’s leader.
Posted by the ruler Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Twitter, the image beautifully captures the red planet glimmering into a distance. According to media reports, the picture was captured 66 hours after UAE’s ambitious mission was launched into space.
We received the Hope probe's first sighting of its destination, Mars, after the spacecraft travelled one million km into space. Beyond the sky is where our dreams start. pic.twitter.com/jN7MBxKa7U
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd)
'Praises for the UAE'
In the caption, he revealed that the mission has travelled one million kilometres in the space already. Since shared, the picture has received 2.1 thousand likes and a variety of comments from excited netizens. One user wrote," All the very best HH....You are the man with big dreams..Dubai is lucky to have you as a leader" while another wrote," Please take one picture for the earth from your location It will amazing" Yet another comment read," Praise to the UAE for its achievements and accomplishments in space."
Mars is currently 85% illuminated as seen from the Earth (and Hope is still close to the Earth). Is that why it appears as a crescent in this photo?
— Meithan West (@meithan42)
We must keep our eyes and thoughts on the destination in the coming months!
— Charles Bolden (@cboldenjr)
It's fantastic that the U.A.E. are on top ! Nothing is impossible. These are not only impressive words of Mohammed bin Raschid al Maktum, he proves it again and again with great facts and deeds! 🙏✌️
— Ursula Trovato (@cbgaleria)
God bless him, the Mars Mission hope and the U.A.E. I love this country 🙏❤️
With due respect His Highness, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. You are stronger than any goal, all the best HH.
— Faarid Irfan (@pir_p)
Ambitious,boundless..
— Bounabi Wafa (@wafa_bounabi)
Determinable resolve .. Confidence that does not be disturbed by obstacles ..There is where the space extends, dreams are fulfilled, work and effort turns the impossible into reality..
Sir, Sky is the limit for others but for u their is no limit. May Allah bless u with more power, wisdom n good health n long life full of iman, success, prosperity n peace. Aameen summa aameen
— ADesai (@ADesai1972)
The Arab world’s first mission to Mars was initially due to launch on 14 July. However, it was delayed twice due to bad weather. According to the minister for advanced sciences Sarah Amiri, the Emirates Mars Mission has cost $200m (£155.8m). The probe aims to provide a complete picture of the Martian atmosphere for the first time, studying daily and seasonal changes.
Read: Fact Check: Did NASA Add 13th Zodiac Sign Called 'Ophiuchus'?
Read: NASA Astronauts Robert Behnken & Douglas Hurley Aim To Return Home By August 2
Emiratis and Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) worked with US educational institutions to develop and build the Hope Probe. After an hour of launch, the probe deployed solar panels to power its communication and other systems. The MBRSC space centre in Dubai will then oversee the spacecraft during its 494 million km journey at an average speed of 121,000 kmph.
Read: UAE Spacecraft 'Hope' Blasts Off In Its First Ever Mission To Mars
Read: NASA Shares Skywatching Tips On How To Photograph Comet NEOWISE
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Published July 23rd, 2020 at 20:14 IST