The Hope spacecraft will be a compact, hexagonal-section spacecraft. It will be built from aluminium in a stiff but lightweight honeycomb structure and surfaced with a strong composite face-sheet. Its overall size and weight are comparable to a small car: it will weigh approximately 1,500 kg including fuel, and measure 2.37m wide by 2.90m tall.
The spacecraft is set to arrive at Mars in 2021 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the UAE. The rocket must blast off from Earth during a brief “launch window” in July 2020. This is because the Earth and Mars orbit the Sun at different rates, and are aligned at their closest point only once every two years. If any part of the mission is not ready in time or fails at the last minute, there may be no second chance.
The U.A.E.'s purpose is to build Emirati technical and intellectual capabilities in the fields of aerospace and space exploration and to enter the space industry and to make use of space technology in a way that enhances the country's development plans. HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
We chose the epic challenge of reaching Mars because epic challenges inspire us and motivate us. The moment we stop taking on such challenges is the moment we stop moving forward. HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
The mission marks a turning point in the country's development establishing space technology as a new drive for diversified economic growth. HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
The Mars mission will enrich Emirati capabilities as well as increasing human knowledge about space exploration and distant planets. HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
The spacecraft is set to arrive at Mars in 2021 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the UAE.
Signing of agreement is major event in seven-year journey, says Shaikh Mohammed.
The UAE plans to set up a space agency and send the Arab world’s first mission to Mars – headed by Emiratis – by 2021.