UAE Mars Mission: Hope probe team members return to Abu Dhabi from Japan after successful launch

The team behind the historic Hope probe launch returned as heroes after playing key roles in the Arab world's first voyage to the Red Planet

A Hope probe team member is greeted with flowers on her return to the UAE. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Airports

Members of the history-making UAE Hope probe team were given a warm welcome as they touched down at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Friday night.

The UAE Space Agency team who helped mastermind the Emirates Mars Mission flew back to the UAE from the Haneda International Airport in Japan, following the successful launch of the Hope Probe on July 20.

Airport staff were on the tarmac to greet the delegation on their return from the Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan.

The Hope probe will collect information about the Martian atmosphere and should enter the Red Planet's orbit in February, more than 200 days after leaving Earth.

The probe's 500-million kilometre journey has just begun but it is already a testament to youth and investment in science and technology, said Shareef Al Hashmi, the airport’s chief executive officer.

“Developing the UAE’s aerospace sector, through investing in STEM education and the deployment of cutting-edge infrastructure, will have a transformative impact on our nation’s economy and society, encouraging our transition to a knowledge-based economy in line with the objectives of Abu Dhabi Plan and UAE Centennial 2071,” said Mr Al Hashmi.

Hope traveled more than one million kilometres in its first four days.

The Arab world's first mission to the Red Planet has made headlines around the world and won fulsome praise from leaders in the UAE.

President Sheikh Khalifa said the launch was a "glorious day" for the Emirates.

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."

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

The Hope probe took off from Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre at 1.58am UAE time on Monday, July 20.

Two previous attempts to launch the craft in the last week were called off because of adverse weather.

It was third time lucky and a moment to rejoice for an entire nation and, in particular, the country's burgeoning space programme.

Omran Al Sharaf, director of the mission, said the huge responsibility of bringing the Hope probe project to fruition had consumed his life for several years.

Hope's arrival in Mars’ orbit is expected to be in February 2021 and will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the UAE's formation.