First Arab space mission to Mars launches from Japan

First Arab space mission to Mars launches from Japan

TOKYO “” The first Arab space mission to Mars, an unmanned probe dubbed "Hope", blasted off from Japan on Monday on a mission to reveal more about the atmosphere of the Red Planet.

The Japanese rocket carrying the probe developed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Centre in southern Japan right on schedule at 6:58 am local time (21:58 GMT Sunday).

The launch of the probe, known as "Al-Amal" in Arabic, had twice been delayed because of bad weather, but the Monday liftoff appeared smooth and successful.

An hour later, a live feed showed people applauding in the Japanese control room as the probe successfully detached.

In Dubai, the launch was met with rapturous excitement and blanket media coverage, with the Burj Khalifa “” the world's tallest skyscraper “” lit up hours before liftoff with a symbolic 10-second countdown in anticipation.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the country watched the launch with "pride and joy" as the nation embarked on a "new chapter in space".

Only the United States, India, the former Soviet Union, and the European Space Agency have successfully sent missions to orbit the fourth planet from the sun, while China is preparing