President Sheikh Khalifa celebrates 'glorious day' as UAE's Hope probe embarks on journey to Mars

Sheikh Khalifa led the tributes as UAE leaders reflected on a history-making moment for the country

The Hope probe launches from Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre on July 20. AFP

It will take the spacecraft, which later detached from the rocket, about 200 days to reach the Red Planet, arriving in February 2021. Courtesy: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

The launch of the rocket is captured on video at Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre. Courtesy: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

The first homegrown Arab space mission drew in interest from across the globe. Courtesy: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

The launch of the rocket from Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre. Courtesy: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Waiting for the launch in the morning light. MHI Launch Services twitter

Emirati journalists clap as they watch the launch of the Hope space probe at Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai. AP

A broadcasting of the launch of the Hope Mars probe at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai. AFP

An Emirati man wipes a tear away with his face mask while watching the launch of the Hope space probe at Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai. AP

Mohammed Al Mannaee, an announcer with Dubai TV, reacts as he watches the launch. AP

Sarah Al Ameeri and the UAE team watch the launch at at the Tanegashima Space Centre

The UAE team watch the launch of the Mars Hope probe at at the Tanegashima Space Centre.

Sarah Al Ameeri and the UAE team watch the launch at at the Tanegashima Space Centre

A screen broadcasts the launch of the Mars probe at Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai. AFP

Solid rocket booster (SRB-A) was separated after burnout during the launch of the H-2A rocket carrying the Hope Probe, developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Mars explore, are recorded by cameras onboard the rocket after the lauch from Tanegashima Space Center on the island of Tanegashima, Japan. REUTERS

A screen broadcasts the launch of the Mars probe at Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai. AFP

The launch of the rocket from Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre. Courtesy: MHI Launch Services

Omran Sharaf, the project director for the Hope space probe, speaks on his mobile phone at Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai. AP

Sarah Al Ameeri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences of United Arab Emirates, celebrates with Naohiko Abe, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Senior Vice President, Head of Integrated Defence and Space Systems, after the successful launch of the H-2A rocket carrying the Hope Probe, developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Mars explore, at Tanegashima Space Center on the island of Tanegashima, Japan. REUTERS

Emiratis are pictured at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai ahead of the expected launch of the "Hope" Mars probe from Japan. AFP

The weather was clear over Tanegashima Island in southern Japan on Sunday after weeks of rain and cloudy conditions. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

Emirati engineers wave in a picture taken on Sunday from Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre. Courtesy: Emirates Mars Mission / UAE Space Agency

The launch of the rocket from Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre. Screengrab courtesy MHI Launch Services

President Sheikh Khalifa led a chorus of celebrations as the UAE's historic Hope probe began its journey to Mars in the early hours of Monday morning.

A nation rejoiced as a diminutive craft carrying with it the biggest of dreams was propelled out of the Earth's atmosphere on a Japanese H-IIA rocket from Tanegashima Space Centre at 1.58am.

It was the spectacular reward for six years of tireless work carried out by a burgeoning UAE space programme.

The probe is now in the early stages of a 200-day, near 500-million kilometre odyssey through space, with the Red Planet its hotly-anticipated destination.

Once there, it will study Mars' unique weather system, delivering valuable data to support international efforts to one day set foot on its surface.

Sheikh Khalifa praised the talented team who had masterminded the landmark mission.

"With pleasure and great pride, we have followed up on the announcement of the successful launch of the Hope Probe, the idea of which was conceived and developed inside our national research and political institutions," said Sheikh Khalifa.

He paid tribute to those who had spearheaded the remarkable project for displaying "bright minds" and being "highly qualified and trained, loyal, and sincere in their loyalty and allegiance."

Sheikh Khalifa said the success of the Hope probe sent out a clear message on the importance of putting faith in science and harnessing the potential of the nation's youth.

On a momentous moment in the UAE's history, Sheikh Khalifa reflected on the contributions of the country's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed.

"On this glorious day, we remember the late Sheikh Zayed and his brothers, the Founding Fathers, who laid the solid foundation for a country capable of moving towards the future in confidence and appreciation."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, hailed the successful start to a long journey to Mars.

"We proudly announce the successful launch of the Hope probe," said Sheikh Mohammed on Twitter.

"The ground control station in Dubai has received the first signal from the probe after its solar panels were successfully deployed to charge its batteries. Our 493 million kilometre journey to the Red Planet starts here."

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, highlighted the role played by young and gifted Emiratis in the momentous mission.

"We watched the successful launch of the Hope probe to Mars with pride and joy, as we embark on a new chapter in space, led by our exceptional youth," Sheikh Mohamed said on Monday.

"Congratulations to the UAE for this historic achievement."

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, also offered warm congratulations as a nervous morning gave way to widespread jubilation.

"Congratulations to the president, may God protect him, to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, to the people of the UAE and to the loyal men and women of the team," said Sheikh Hamdan.

"Congratulations on the successful launching of the first Arab mission to Mars.

"Congratulations on entering history and on the successful journey into the upcoming 50 years.

"I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the team.
I salute the men, the heroes, the nation's women, among whom are engineers and achievers."

Burj Khalifa lights up to mark Hope probe launch

Dubai's Burj Khalifa lit up in support of the Hope probe. AFP

The tallest building also lit up in the colours and and beamed the badge of the UAE's Mars Mission. AFP

It gave spectators a glimpse of the countdown in Arabic that began at 1.58am on Monday. AFP

Burj Khalifa lit up in support of the Hope probe. AFP

Dubai's Burj Khalifa marked the launch of the Hope probe to Mars on Sunday evening. AFP

Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure and building in the world since 2009. AFP

Burj Khalifa's 57 lifts are laid out like a vertical metro system, with various changes of line needed to get from the base to the top. AFP

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, was opened to the public on January 4, 2010. AFP