Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 05, 2020: 

H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, said: 
“Today, we were honoured to receive a video call from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of MBRSC, as he addressed the Emirates Mars Mission team. The team briefed His Highness on the successful transfer of the Hope Probe from the UAE to its launch site in Japan, despite the current challenges, thanks to the support of our leadership and the perseverance of the team.”
 
He added, “The teams at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and the UAE Space Agency have always received full support from our leaders, and they have been the driving force behind the UAE’s achievements in space exploration. Their unflinching support is a source of strength and inspiration for the team to constantly take on new challenges. Our mission through these scientific endeavours is to keep the UAE flag flying high and be at the forefront of countries contributing to scientific achievements that will change the face of humanity.
 
The Emirates Mars Mission team has spared no effort since starting work on the Hope Probe. Realising the ambitious vision of the UAE’s leadership to reach Mars, and the belief that the mission will serve humanity, has motivated the team to keep marching ahead. With such a dedicated humanitarian and national motive behind the project, no amount of circumstances or challenges will stand in the way. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre has taken this dedicated approach in all its projects to achieve the visions of our country and its wise leadership.”
 
H.E. Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director-General, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, said:
“The active involvement of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of MBRSC, is a source of inspiration that enables us to overcome all challenges. His wise vision and support boosts our confidence and motivates us to achieve new heights for our country.”
 
He added, “The Hope Probe represents a turning point in the UAE’s space sector. The mission will contribute towards exploring the Red Planet, as it will provide valuable data and answer questions that will serve the global scientific community, and pave the way towards new Emirati research and discoveries in the field of space.
 
The Mission is strategically linked to the programmes of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. One of the main objectives of such projects is to develop the UAE’s capabilities in the global space sector and contribute towards the journey of human space exploration and inspire the future generations of young men and women in creating new successes and discoveries, while taking advantage of the accumulated experiences, mission results and current research.'
 
Omran Sharaf, Project Manager of the Emirates Mars Mission, thanked Sheikh Hamdan for all the support he and his team received throughout the operation. He stressed that the project was an extremely challenging endeavour right from the time of the announcement of the project. Since then, the Emirati team has acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience.
 
He pointed out that the successful transfer of the Probe to its launch site on Tanegashima Island in Japan was carried out according to plan in an operation that required high levels of meticulousness and precision. The success of the transfer reflects the sheer determination of the team to complete the first project of its kind in the UAE and the region, and realise the vision of the UAE's leadership.
 
He added that the continuous support and encouragement of the UAE's leadership and the exceptional cooperation extended by many government agencies contributed to the achievement of this milestone, which is all the more commendable considering the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 crisis. Following the arrival of the Hope Probe team in Japan, preparations for the July launch will move into high gear.
 
Suhail Al Dhafer Al Muhairi, Deputy Project Manager of the Probe Development Team, stressed that the support of the leadership and cooperation between government departments were instrumental in overcoming the difficulties and challenges arising from the prevailing global circumstances.