Hope, UAE’s interplanetary probe prepares to enter Mars orbit, countdown begins

The first-ever Arab interplanetary mission, the UAE’s Hope Probe is all set to enter Mars’ orbit on February 9. The Hope Probe reaches the end of its seven month long, 493-million-kilometer journey to Earth’s nearest planetary neighbour. The unmanned spacecraft will explore the Martian atmosphere for a full Martian year, around 687 days on Earth. The Hope Probe is timed to enter Mars before the 50th anniversary of the UAE’s formation. The Hope Probe was launched into space on July 15, 2020 from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Centre.

Yas Island turns red

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure and entertainment hub, lit up in red to commemorate the journey of the Hope Probe to Mars, as the intra-planetary vessel is due to reach the red planet on February 9. Key attractions across Yas Island turned scarlet including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, CLYMB Abu Dhabi, Yas Plaza Hotels, as well as Etihad Arena and W Abu Dhabi.