HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister congratulates the UAE on Mars mission success

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain sent congratulatory cables to HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, following the success of the Hope Mars Mission.

The UAE’s first mission to Mars reached the Red Planet and entered orbit yesterday after a seven-month, 494 million-km (307 million-mile) journey, allowing it to start sending data about the Martian atmosphere and climate.

The Mars programme is part of the UAE’s efforts to develop its scientific and technological capabilities and reduce its reliance on oil.

The UAE Space Agency, the fifth globally to reach the planet, even has a plan for a Mars settlement by 2117.

“Contact with #HopeProbe has been established again. The Mars Orbit Insertion is now complete,” said the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, where the Ruler of Dubai and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi were present to receive the news.

HRH Prince Salman recognised the importance of this historic achievement, which is a testament to the UAE’s pioneering role in space exploration, and a great source of pride for Arab and Islamic nations.

He also expressed his best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the UAE.