By AFP More by this AuthorThe United Arab Emirates celebrated in the early hours of Monday morning the launch of its "Hope" probe to Mars, the first interplanetary mission by an Arab nation. The UAE Mars mission's deputy project manager, Sarah al-Amiri, said it was "an indescribable feeling" to witness the rocket launch. "This is the future of the UAE," Amiri, who is also Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, told Dubai TV from the launch site. Advertisement"Hope" -- or Al-Amal in Arabic -- has been a source of great pride in the UAE, a newcomer to the world of space. It is expected to reach Mars's orbit by February 2021, marking the 50th anniversary of the unification of the UAE.

Source: Daily Nation July 19, 2020 22:41 UTC