UAE’s Mars probe positioned on rocket ahead of lift-off

UAE’s Mars probe positioned on rocket ahead of lift-off

The Hope Probe is set for liftoff on July 15.





The UAE's Hope Probe has been encapsulated within the payload fairing ahead of its lift-off from the Tanegashima Space Centre (TNSC) in Japan on July 15. The capsule has been positioned securely on to the rocket that will take it to space.

The encapsulated probe was transferred to another building where the rocket (first and the second stage) and the launch pad are located. The mounting of the spacecraft on to the rocket involved a thorough monitoring of the interface points. Subsequently, the multi-layer insulation (MLI) and the arming plugs were firmly sealed.

About an hour after the launch, the probe will separate from the rocket. It will launch its solar panels and begin the seven-month journey towards the Red Planet using a propulsion system.

With the critical milestone achieved, testing and checks leading to the full launch and mission-readiness are currently being carried out. This will be followed by joint operations with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to trickle-charge the spacecraft and set it for takeoff.

Before the probe was placed inside the capsule, it was covered with thermal sheets to protect it against dynamic temperature, pressure variations and environment during its