(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The UAE has reached the furthest point in space in Arab history as the Hope Probe made its grand entry to the Red Planet today, February 9.
The UAE leaders arrived at the Mars Mission command centre in Dubai to congratulate the team on the historic achievement.
Here is how the day transpired as covered live by Khaleej Times.
Stay tuned to Khaleej Times and our social media channels for live updates, videos, bytes and analyses.
Do check out our interactive that will help you explore the Red Planet .
9:10pm
'All thanks to Allah': How UAE announced Hope Probe success
Omran Sharaf, Project Manager of the Emirates Mars Mission, was at the ground control room in Dubai when the team received the first signal from the probe after Mars Orbit Insertion. The official managed to maintain his composure and announced the mission success professionally.
"To the people of the United Arab Emirates, to Arab and Muslim nations, we announce that the mission of the UAE to Mars has successfully entered the orbit of the Red Planet. All thanks to Allah, all thanks to Allah, all thanks to Allah," he says, to applause from the team. Read more
9pm
Live: Visuals from Burj Plaza after the success of MOI
8:36pm
Video: Moment UAE confirmed Hope Probe entered Mars orbit
8:27pm
Burj Khalifa lights up as Hope Probe reaches Mars
Photos by Shihab
8:25pm
Burj Khalifa beams with special message
Congratulations to all Arabs
Congratulations to UAE
Historic achievement
A great beginning to the next 50
Mission accomplished
8:20pm
Hope probe enters Mars orbit; UAE leaders at control room
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, are both at the control room of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.
They have issued congratulatory messages as the Hope Probe entered its Mars orbit.
8:15pm
UAE Hope Probe reaches Mars
UAE has become the fifth country in the world and the first Arab one to reach Mars.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the mission success in a tweet.
"Mission Accomplished," he tweeted
8:12pm
Hope Probe success signal expected in under two minutes
8:09pm
Hope Probe success announcement at 8.15pm; blind minutes on
At 7.30pm, the Hope Probe started its Mars orbit insertion sequence. The complex process, the most critical part of the mission, will see the spacecraft rapidly reducing its speed from 121,000km/h to 18,000km/h to enter Mars' orbit.
There is an 11-minute delay in communication between the probe and Earth. So when the orbit insertion happens, the world will come to know about it only by 8.15pm or so.
8:05pm
Healthy signals spur hope
Experts have reiterated that the Hope Probe is healthy and its signals are working fine. At the Burj Park in Dubai, hundreds of govt heads, university professors, researchers and media persons have gathered to witness the moment the probe enters its Martian orbit.
The atmosphere is tense, with a mix of prayers and optimism
7:54pm
Good news: System checks show solid signals
First check on Hope Probe by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre shows all signals and processes running smoothly for Mars Orbit Insertion sequence.
7:50pm
Hope Probe's 27 'blind' minutes to Mars begin; fuel burn confirmed
The command centre has confirmed that the fuel burn has begun.
The fuel burn will reduce the speed of the Hope Probe from over 121,000 km/h to approximately 18,000 km/h.
7:45pm
Hope Probe's 27 'blind' minutes to Mars begin
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, has said that the Hope Probe's 27 blind minutes have started . This is the most crucial point in the mission.
The Mars Orbit Insertion stage is called half an hour of terror! As Hope reaches close to the Martian orbit, a special manoeuvre will be performed to decrease its speed, enough for the planet's gravity to capture the spacecraft into orbit. For orbit insertion, six Delta V thrusters will autonomously perform an action to fire the thrusters for 27 minutes to slow down the speed of the probe from more than 100,000 kilometres per hour down to 18,000kmph.
One of the difficulties is that the scientists will have no control — as because of the distance between Earth and Mars, any command sent to the spacecraft takes 11 minutes each way. Hence, all steps are pre-programmed. Also, contact will be temporarily lost as Hope travels behind Mars, creating a blackout period with no communication for a short time.
7:41pm
Join our expert panel as we count down to the moment when the historic Emirates Mars Mission enters the Martian orbit at 7.42pm UAE time in less than hour's time.
7:40pm
When exactly will UAE Hope Probe reach Mars?
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, has explained the 4 scenarios the Hope Probe faces as it starts its Mars' orbit insertion sequence. She said the success of the entire mission comes down to 27 minutes for the probe to complete this phase.
>> First scenario
At 7.30pm, we'll start Mars Insertion Orbit. This includes 27 minutes burn, reducing speed to 18,000km/hr. Ground control at Khawaneej will inform us of start of the phase
At 8.15pm, we expect the announcement of arrival.
>> Second scenario: Loss of contact
No communication reaches us from Hope Probe. This can take 15 minutes or even two hours. We will inform you in the event of that delay.
>> Third scenario
Spacecraft has 6 thrusters. we can work with 4, but sequence will take over 40 minutes instead of 27.
>> Fourth scenario: We hope never to reach this. This is failure to enter and orbit around Mars.
7:36pm
With less than 10 minutes to go before the UAE's HopeProbe enters its Martian orbit, the BurjKhalifa lights up with a special laser show to mark the UAE's entry to Mars at 7.42pm tonight.
Photo by Shihab
7:35pm
UAE minister's message of hope with Hope Probe minutes away from Mars
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, is addressing an event at the Burj Park with minutes left for the Hope Probe to enter its Mars orbit.
"Space was a sector that we never dared to dream, growing up. This is my story and the story of 200 other people working on this mission. But it's the story of the transformation of an entire nation. In 1971, humanity landed the first object on Mars. It is with this mindset of growth, unity, that has spurred the mission to reach this point today. There have been 450 souls working collaboratively on this mission to ensure mission arrives on time to destination. For us this mission is about the next 50 years, deeply rooted in science, creativity and innovation."
7:25pm
UAE residents wait with bated breath
With the Hope Probe less than an hour away from its final destinations, residents across the UAE are waiting with bated breath for the UAE to make history.
Taking to Twitter to share their excitement, many are wishing the Hope Probe ‘Best of Luck' as it nears the final leg of its 481 km-long journey. The hashtag #ArabstoMars continues to trend on the social media platform, with residents sharing messages of nervous anticipation.
7:20pm
"I wish that you conquer space!," Pakistani minister message as Probe's critical phase approaches
A Cabinet minister of Pakistan has wished the UAE "to conquer the space," as the Hope Probe's Mars orbit insertion attempt is expected to determine the success of the mission Tuesday evening. Read more
7:22pm
Watch: Adnoc building lights up in red
Video: Ryan Lim
The Adnoc building in Abu Dhabi Corniche lit up in support for the Emirates Mars Mission.
7:20pm
Burj Khalifa shines with Hope Probe tribute
7:15pm
Just 30 minutes to go for UAE Hope Probe to reach Mars
The UAE's Hope Probe is preparing to enter its Mars orbit. According to its live tracker, it's some 5,000km away from its destination. Less than 30 minutes to go!
7pm
Watch: Special Burj Khalifa show with Hope Probe minutes away from Mars
- Photos & Videos by Juidin Bernarrd
6:55pm
Live: Capturing the momentum from Mohamed bin Rashid boulevard ahead of MOI
6:59pm
UAE's Hope Probe prepares to enter Mars orbit; minutes left
The UAE's Hope Probe is preparing to enter Mars orbit. According to its live tracker, it's some 8,000km away from its destination.
6:55pm
Special Burj Khalifa show to mark Hope Probe entry to Mars
The Burj Park in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa is THE place to be, with less than an hour left before the UAE's Hope Probe enters its Martian orbit.
A special laser show will mark the UAE's entry to Mars at 7.42pm tonight. The show will trace the journey of the Hope Probe from ideation until now.
Strict social distancing norms are in place as people assemble at the venue to watch the live broadcast. Special screens have been set up at the Burj Park for this.
6:38pm
Burj Khalifa to light up as Hope Probe reaches Mars
- Photos & Videos by Juidin Bernarrd
The Burj Park in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa is THE place to be, with less than an hour left before the UAE's Hope Probe enters its Martian orbit.
Strict social distancing norms are in place as people assemble at the venue to watch the live broadcast of the Hope Probe's arrival to Mars. Special screens have been set up at the Burj Park for the live broadcast.
6:30pm
UAE's Hope Probe just 1 hour away from Mars
The UAE's Hope Probe is just one hour and some 29,000km away from Mars. It's cruising towards its destination at a speed of 77,000kmph. It will need to slow down to 18,000kmph to get captured into the Martian orbit.
It has already covered a distance of over 481-million-km.
6pm
' First in 50 years and first among the 56 Arab nations'
By Saman Haziq
"The UAE's Hope Probe is at an extraordinary stage bringing success and optimism to the entire Arab and Islamic world. The feat represents a scientific achievement of great value to the world, thanks to the wise leadership of the UAE who provided the nation with a wide horizon of ambition and possibilities to enable them to think outside the traditional norms," said Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development.
"This has helped achieve the UAE become a beacon of hope for millions of Arabs across the 56 Arab and Islamic countries (being the first Arab country to reach Mars orbit) and also mark its 50th year (since the union in 1971) with flying colours telling the world ‘noting is impossible," she said.
"We have learned from the UAE wise leadership that the future is for those who make it, the race of excellence is long and the competitors are many but winning the first position requires that we do not look back. Our goal is to be number one, she added
5:55pm
Hope Probe to help experts create Mars environment on Earth
The new data from the Hope Probe will help scientists not only understand planetary mysteries, but support future missions, according to Abu Dhabi-based researcher scientists and experts.
Dimitra Atri, a research scientist at the Centre for Space Science at the New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), said the data from the Hope Probe would complement the university's ongoing research with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Red Planet missions. Read more
5:50pm
UAE's Hope Probe just two hours away from Mars
Just under two hours are left before the UAE's Hope Probe reaches Mars. To put that in context, it takes about that much time to drive from Dubai to Al Ain!
5:45pm
Video: What happens after UAE's Hope Probe reaches Mars
After successfully completing Mars Orbit Insertion, the Hope Probe will enter its capture orbit. Here is what happens next:
5:25pm
UAE football calls Hope Probe a source of pride and inspiration
As the UAE's Hope Probe makes its foray to Mars, the country's football community has hailed the mission as a source of pride and inspiration.
5:10pm
Video: World's tallest swing goes red in Dubai
4:50pm
Hope Probe less than 3 hours, 30,000km away from Mars
Just under three hours and 30,000 kilometres separate the UAE's Hope Probe and its Martian orbit.
With three hours to go before the Mars Orbit Insertion (MOI) burn begins, ground stations and command centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre are continuing to track the Hope Probe as it approaches the Red Planet.
The MOI burn is achieved by the firing of all the probe's Delta V thrusters, and is done to slow the spacecraft down to prevent it from slingshotting around the Red Planet and into deep space.
After the burn and once the orbit insertion has been successfully completed, the Hope Probe will go ‘dark' as it goes behind Mars for an uninterrupted 27 minutes. Only after this point will scientists know whether the manoeuvre was successful or not.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtyISzNXMAU05N_?format=jpg&name=medium
4:30pm
UAE on Mars moment live at Dubai Airports
If you're travelling through the Dubai International Airport, you can watch the moment the UAE's Hope Probe gets into its Martian orbit.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtyISzNXMAU05N_?format=jpg&name=medium
"Stop by the big screen near gates B26 and watch history in the making as the UAE Mars Hope Probe enters the orbit of Mars for the first time. Streaming live from 7pm, in Concourse B near Gate 26," Dubai Airports tweeted.
4pm
Video : Hope Probe is the first weather satellite on Mars
Hope Probe, the UAE's mission to Mars, is the first weather satellite on the Red Planet, said Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology.
'Hope is the first weather satellite on Mars, so it characterises the weathers of Mars throughout the Martian year, which is equivalent to two earthly years. said Al Amiri in an interview with CNBC.
"Why is it important? Because Mars that has evolved today is due to changes in its weather system and atmosphere. It will help understand what happened in the past and how Mars is going to evolve in the future, said Al Amiri.
3:38pm
' Hope Probe has placed UAE among major space powers'
In an exclusive interview, the president of the French Space Centre, Jean-Yves Le Gall said that the UAE's mission to Mars places the country among the elite global powers in the field of space sciences, stressing that France has been following the UAE's Mars mission very closely. Read more
3:30pm
Look: Traffic signs light up with Hope Probe
Smart traffic signs in Abu Dhabi have lit up with the logo of the Emirates Mars Mission. Have a look:
3:10pm
UAE's Hope Probe less than 50,000km away from Mars
The UAE's Hope Probe is less than 50,000km away from the Red Planet, according to its live tracker. As at 3.10pm, the Emirati probe has covered a mind-boggling 481-million-km. It will reach the Martian orbit at 7.42pm tonight.
It is currently travelling at a speed of 77,000kmph. In order to be successfully captured in the Martian orbit, the spacecraft will have to fire six Delta V thrusters for 27 minutes to slow down the speed to 18,000kmph.
2:55pm
Photos : Landmarks across the Arab world turn red
The Hope Probe will become the first Arab country to successfully put a probe on Mars. Take a look at all the different landmarks across the region that are expressing their unity with the UAE today.
2:50pm
4 videos you must watch to know all about the UAE's Mars mission
The UAE will create history today when it becomes the first Arab country and the fifth in the world to put a probe on Mars. The country is all set to accomplish the feat at exactly 7.42pm tonight, February 9. We have hand-picked four videos that will bring you up to speed on the probe's 495-million-km journey.
2:30pm
Isro expects Hope Probe's success
Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), which had successfully sent a spacecraft to Mars in 2014, has "a positive outlook" on the Hope Probe's success, which "will expand the global team that can coordinate and jointly plan future missions to Mars." A senior scientist at Isro said on Tuesday, "It is an exciting opportunity as the UAE's Hope mission approaches Mars for an orbit injection. The successful approach to Mars provides renewed confidence in the upcoming phases of the mission."
2pm
UAE Hope Probe Mars Mission in numbers
1:40pm
' Hope Probe to help unravel Martian atmosphere's mysteries'
The new data from the Emirates Mars Mission, known as the Hope Probe, will help scientists understand the planetary mysteries and support future missions, according to Abu Dhabi-based researcher scientists and experts. Dimitra Atri, a research scientist at the Centre for Space Science at the New York University Abu Dhabi (Nyuad), said the data from the Hope Probe would complement the university's ongoing research with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (Nasa) Red Planet missions.
1:30pm
UAE Hope Probe will orbit Mars for four years
When the UAE's Hope Probe successfully enters the Martian orbit tonight — it will start its mission of observing the red planet's climate for 687 Earth days. But, according to an expert in the Mars mission team, the orbiter's service life will last for four years. Read here
1:25pm
Sheikh Mohammed explains why Mars Probe is named 'Hope'
The late UAE founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the hope of the Emirates and the UAE is the hope for the region. This is why the UAE named its Mars mission as Hope Probe, said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. In details
1:20pm
Video : UAE visitors to get ‘Martian Ink' passport stamp on arrival
A special surprise awaits visitors arriving at UAE airports, starting today: Travellers entering the country will receive a Martian Ink stamp on their passports, in commemoration of the Hope Probe's historic arrival to Mars this evening. In pictures
1pm
UAE's Hope mission to Mars: Detailed interactive
Today, the Hope probe will finally complete a seven-month journey to the Red Planet.
12:50pm
Hope Probe reaches Mars today: Here's what happens next
The UAE's Hope Probe will finally complete a seven-month journey to the Red Planet and arrive at Mars — the first of three space missions attempting to do so this month. Entering another critical phase in the mission, it will attempt the Mars Orbit Insertion — a process that will take a nail-biting 27 minutes with experts predicting a 50 per cent success rate. A lot of firsts are being marked with the success of the UAE's mission. Here's what to expect going forward. Read more
12:40pm
What to expect during Hope Probe's ‘half an hour of terror'
The Hope mission, UAE's first interplanetary mission, is reaching the most crucial point in its mission today, and people around the world are waiting with high expectations. Read more
12:30pm
6 stages of Hope Probe Mars Mission's journey.
The UAE is on the cusp of a spatial breakthrough with less than one day to go for the Mars Orbit Insertion (MOI), which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday (February 9) at 7.42pm.
Here we bring you the six stages of the UAE's Hope Probe Mars Mission's journey.
12pm
Get to know the two other spacecraft entering Mars after Hope
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