The head of NASA, Jim Bridenstine, congratulated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the successful launch of the first Arab probe "al-Amal" ("Hope") to Mars.
Earlier, the Hope Mars mission reported that the H-IIA launch vehicle with the "Hope" space probe, created by UAE engineers, successfully launched from the space center of the Japanese island of Tanegashima at 01.58 Emirati time (00.58 Moscow time). Subsequently, the "al-Amal" space probe separated from the launch vehicle and began to signal.
"On behalf of NASA, I congratulate our friends in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the launch of the mission to Mars - "Hope". Today was the culmination of hard work, focus and dedication, as well as the beginning of the UAE's journey to Mars with the ultimate goal of colonizing the Red planet. The mission is aptly named because it is a symbol of inspiration for the UAE, the region and the world," Bridenstine said in a statement.
Also on Twitter, the Mars Rovers Curiosity and Perseverance "posted" their congratulations.
Initially, the launch of the Emirati space probe "al-Amal" was planned for July 15, but was postponed several times due to bad weather on the Japanese island.
Fully constructed by Arab scientists and engineers, the probe is planned to reach the Red planet in 2021, when the UAE will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the state. Emirati authorities call this the first Arab mission to Mars.
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Based on materials from RIA Novosti