“Let the young see, what after 800 years of backwardness we have gone ahead ”
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates announced their readiness to launch a space probe for the exploration of Mars. Ship "Martian Mission Hope" (Hope Mars Mission) should start 15 July. It is assumed, that he will reach the orbit of Mars in February 2021 of the year. “The start of this uninhabited module is a signal to, that in a group of superpowers, exclusively exploring space, newcomers or even private firms break in ”, - writes the British The Guardian.
According to project manager Omran Sharaf, flight prepared with 2014 years and is integration for the long-term development of science and technology in the Emirates. “This is a project, concerning our future, our survival ".
photo: United Arab Emirates
The task of the probe is not to descend to the surface of Mars, and during the Martian year (687 earth days) study the dynamics of the Martian atmosphere from orbit and compose a complete picture of its climate. The probe is equipped with three types of sensors for a comprehensive study of atmospheric phenomena on the "red" planet.
One of the main goals is to find out the mechanism of the loss of the atmosphere by Mars., including the disappearance of oxygen and hydrogen. “We are exploring the planet, which was very similar to ours, but experienced changes, as a result of which water has disappeared - one of the most important components for the existence of life ”, - says project manager and UAE Minister of Advanced Sciences Sarah al-Amiri. "For example, how do dust storms on Mars affect the disappearance of oxygen and hydrogen?» Minister informed, that the information received will be sent to 200 research centers and will be a significant contribution to the preparation of other missions, including NASA probes.
In July, two more probes will fly to Mars - Chinese and American, but the Emirates’s apparatus is of the greatest interest. This country exists in total 50 years, and most recently she had no scientific and engineering base. The rapid development of science and technology in the UAE was the result of a long-term government policy., and such tasks, like exploring mars, and are now considered accessible only to states with the most advanced space science. So far, more than half of the flights to Mars have ended in failure..
Emirates space probe launches in the midst of recession, falling oil prices, a sharp decrease in the flow of tourists, and these circumstances give the launch a special meaning - the country's ability to implement a major national project will be demonstrated even in such an adverse environment. According to the UAE leadership, this project will give an impetus to the development of diversified scientific-engineering and labor forces, ready for the post-oil economy.
“Our goal is to celebrate 2 December 2021 50th anniversary of the founding of the state with a great message to the world - the achievement of Mars, - talking about. Honor. - This will not only be an appeal to the young generation of the Emirates, but also to all the young Arabs of the region. Today, more 1 million. young people. Let them see, what after 800 years of backwardness we have gone ahead ”.
Emirates launched four Earth satellites earlier (originally in cooperation with South Korea). AT 2017 g. astronaut Hazzaa al-Mansouri participated in the work on the ISS.
The main conditions for the upcoming flight to Mars included the requirement of the Emirates leadership to create a spacecraft independently, rather than buying it. FROM. al-amiri states, that the project only makes sense, if it was created by engineers and scientists of the UAE. Today, all high-tech experts, prepared in universities of the UAE, do not have permission to participate in foreign projects. This is also one of the conditions for creating your own research corps for space exploration..
“The project inspired us, instilled in us insolence, risk appetite, - says C. al-Amiri. - Next in line is the development of pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology and Agriculture ". Women are widely involved in these programs everywhere..
UAE scientists collaborated in the preparation of the flight with colleagues from the United States and Japan. The launch vehicle was produced by the Japanese Mitsubishi Corporation and will be launched at Tanegashima Space Center in Japan..
UK Museums Science Group Director Sir Ian Blatchford Notes, that previous missions focused on the geology of Mars, and this will give a holistic picture of the Martian climate. Monica Grady, professor of planetary and space sciences at British Open University, considers, that the Emirates mission will be the first sign of change in the space industry, where formerly great powers dominated.
The title photo: eoportal.org
Dmitri Sedov
