The first Arab (UAE) mission to Mars

The first Arab (UAE) mission to Mars was initially planned to be launched on 14 July but got delayed twice due to bad weather.20 July 2020 Current Affairs: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched its first mission to Mars on 20th July 2020. The UAE is striving to develop its scientific and technology capabilities and move away from its reliance on oil.

Highlights:

♦ The first Arab (UAE) mission to Mars was initially planned to be launched on 14 July, but got delayed twice due to bad weather.
♦ The Hope Probe was launched from Japan's Tanegashima Space Center on 20 July for a seven-month journey to Mars.
♦ The satellite will orbit around Mars and send back data about the atmosphere.
♦ The total cost of the Emirates Mars Mission is $200 million.
♦ The Hope Probe was developed by the Emiratis and Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) worked with U.S. educational institutions.
♦ The UAE has an ambitious plan for a Mars settlement by 2117.
♦ At present, there are 8 active missions exploring Mars. Of the 8 missions, some satellites orbit the planet and some satellites have landed on the surface of Mars planet. China and the United States, currently, each plan to send another this year.