The achievement makes the UAE the fifth space agency to reach the planet, while it has plans for a settlement on Mars by 2117.
The United Arab Emirates’ first mission to Mars has entered the red planet’s orbit after a seven-month journey, 494 million kilometers (307 million miles), enabling it to begin transmitting data about the atmosphere and climate of Mars.
Mission control officials broke out in applause on Tuesday, visibly relieved after an exciting half-hour when Amal, Arab for hope, performed a “ burn ” to slow herself enough to be pulled in by Martian gravity.
“There is contact with #HopeProbe again. The Mars orbit insertion is now complete, ”said the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC).
“To the people of the UAE, to the Arab and Islamic countries, we announce the successful arrival in orbit around Mars. Praise be to God, ”said Omran Sharaf, the mission’s project manager.
Amal had to make a series of turns and fire the engine to maneuver in orbit, reducing his speed from over 75,000 mph to 18,000 mph.
Thanks to Tuesday’s announcement, the UAE space agency is the fifth to reach Mars.
Probes launched by China and NASA just after the UAE’s launch in July last year will also reach the planet this month.
The Emirates Mars mission, which cost approximately $ 200 million, launched the Hope Probe from a Japanese space center.
The Mars program is part of the UAE’s efforts to develop its scientific and technological capabilities and reduce its dependence on oil. The space agency has a plan for a settlement on Mars in 2117.
It aims to provide a complete picture of the atmosphere of Mars for the first time, studying daily and seasonal changes.