UAE launches historic first mission to Mars

Addis Ababa, July 20, 2020 (FBC) -The United Arab Emirates’ historic first mission to Mars is under way, after a successful lift-off in Japan.

The Hope probe launched on an H2-A rocket from Tanegashima spaceport, and is now on a 500-million-km journey to study the planet’s weather and climate.

Two previous attempts to launch the probe in the past week had to be called off because of adverse weather.

According to BBC, Hope’s arrival in February 2021 is set to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the UAE’s formation.