The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is extending its ambitious Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) through 2028, building on the success of its Hope Probe, the first interplanetary mission undertaken by an Arab nation. The decision, announced on , reflects the UAE’s commitment to maximizing the scientific return from its investment in space exploration and solidifying its position within the global scientific community.
Originally conceived as a two-year mission, the Hope Probe entered Martian orbit in and has already surpassed expectations. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, emphasized that the extension isn’t simply a continuation of existing work, but a “sustained trajectory that reinforces the UAE’s presence and global standing in the space sector.” The probe has collected over ten terabytes of Martian atmospheric data – ten times the initial target of one terabyte – and made this data freely available to over 200 academic and research institutions worldwide.
The EMM’s scientific contributions extend beyond atmospheric studies. In , the Hope Probe demonstrated its versatility by turning its instruments away from Mars to observe Comet 3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed interstellar object to enter our solar system. The probe captured images in visible and ultraviolet wavelengths using its EXI and EMUS instruments, providing a unique opportunity to study the composition of material originating from beyond our sun. The comet’s close approach to Mars – within approximately 30 million kilometers – offered a particularly advantageous vantage point for observation.
The mission has also yielded insights into Mars’ auroral fields and conducted flybys of the Martian moon Deimos, contributing to a better understanding of its origins. These observations demonstrate the Hope Probe’s adaptability and its ability to contribute to a broader range of planetary science investigations.
The impact of the EMM extends beyond scientific discovery. According to Dr. Al Falasi, the mission has spurred significant growth within the UAE’s space ecosystem. The number of entities operating in the space sector has tripled between and , accompanied by increased investment in research, and development. The number of UAE universities offering aerospace engineering and space-related degree programs has approximately doubled during the same period, indicating a growing pipeline of national talent.
Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, highlighted the probe’s transformative effect on the Emirates’ education, science, research, and innovation ecosystems. He stated that the EMM has already led to more than 35 published peer-reviewed scientific papers in international journals and has the potential to create tens of thousands of new career opportunities.
Mohsen Al Awadhi, Director of Space Missions Department at the UAE Space Agency, underscored the mission’s success in exceeding expectations, not only in terms of scientific discoveries but also in its broader impact on the UAE’s technological and educational landscape. He described the Hope Probe as “the bedrock for the development of a fast-expanding, rich and vibrant national space and innovation ecosystem.”
The operational experience gained from the extended EMM will also be valuable for the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, a future mission planned to conduct a comprehensive survey of the asteroid belt. This demonstrates a long-term strategic vision for the UAE’s space program, building on existing successes to tackle increasingly ambitious goals.
The extension of the Emirates Mars Mission through 2028 represents a significant investment in both scientific knowledge and the development of a robust space sector within the UAE. It’s a clear signal of the nation’s commitment to becoming a major player in the global space community, not just as a participant, but as a contributor to fundamental scientific understanding and a driver of technological innovation.
