UAE HOPE MARS MISSION LAUNCHES
First Arab Mission to Mars Source: Launch of H-2A rocket with Hope onboard Source: NASA Artist Rendering Spectacular Launch and Congratulations from NASA A Japanese H-2A rocket launched the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Hope Mission to Mars this morning. Within an hour of the flight, the rocket's upper stage released the Hope Mission satellite. Hope is using its solar panels to power its systems, including its communications system. Hope notified controllers at the Space Center in Dubai of the successful separation. The Dubai Center is overseeing the orbiter's 306,957,369 mile journey at 75,185 miles per hour speeds to Mars. First Arab Interplanetary Mission This is the first Arab interplanetary mission. The Hope mission is designed to demonstrate the UAE's scientific, technological and space capabilities. Hope is a 2,976 pound satellite designed and developed at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) in the UAE. It will arrive at Mars in February 20