Hope probe ready to be moved to launch pad as big day nears

The rocket that will carry the UAE’s Hope probe to space will soon be rolled out on to the launch pad, as final preparations take place for the first Arab mission to the Red Planet.

Last week, Hope was placed into the payload fairing – a structure that protects the craft – and moved to the assembly building where the main section of the H-IIA rocket is kept.

The payload fairing will be mounted on top of the rocket before it is moved to the launch pad on Tanegashima island in Japan.

While rain and cloud are forecast for this week, space officials and engineers with the Emirates Mars Mission said the launch remains on schedule for Wednesday, July 15, at 12.51am UAE time.

As part of Covid-19 safety measures, viewing events usually organised by local authorities in Tanegashima have been suspended and signs have been placed in popular viewing spots asking the public to keep a three-kilometre distance from the space centre on launch day and the day after.

Eight Emirati engineers who have been there since April are working with the launch provider, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, to ensure everything goes smoothly. Space officials, including the UAE Space Agency director general and deputy project manager of the Emirates Mars Mission, will also be attending the launch.

Omran Sharaf, project manager for the Emirates Mars Mission, said the country’s space journey would be a boost to the entire region.

“We are actually building the capacity and capability in advanced sciences in the UAE and the region,” Mr Sharaf told state news agency Wam.

“This is something important for everyone. It will help the region to have stability and a more competitive economy and integrate more with the global community. Having a stable region is very important for the world. Having a strong national and regional economy is important for the global community.

“That’s why the UAE called the mission ‘Hope’, because it will make such an impact. But you cannot measure it today or tomorrow – you will see it in 10 or 15 years.

“We will have the first holistic view of the Martian atmosphere at different times of the day and various seasons.

“We are serving humanity by bringing this new knowledge,” Mr Sharaf said.

“Such knowledge will help us understand more about our own planet.”