The UAE Space Agency announces the extension of the "Hope Probe" mission until 2028.

The UAE Space Agency announces the extension of the "Hope Probe" mission until 2028.

 The UAE Space Agency announced on Tuesday the extension of the Emirates Mars Mission, the Hope Probe, for an additional three years. This extension comes in light of the mission's successes since its launch and the continued high performance of the probe's scientific instruments, enabling it to continue collecting precise data on the Martian atmosphere and climate.

Based on the exceptional performance of the Emirates Mars Mission, the Hope Probe will provide valuable scientific data and operational and field experience for current and future deep-space missions, while continuing to offer unique insights into the Martian atmosphere.

Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency, noted that the decision to extend the Hope Probe mission until 2028 reflects the UAE's commitment to enhancing the scientific and knowledge-based impact of its space investments and its role as a responsible partner in the global scientific research community. These efforts demonstrate the nation's dedication to harnessing space science to serve humanity, support understanding of climate change, and build a future based on knowledge and innovation.

He added that the UAE's Mars exploration mission, the Hope Probe, represents a long-term strategic choice that reflects the leadership's vision of viewing the space sector as a cornerstone for building a sustainable knowledge-based economy, empowering national talent, and maximizing the scientific return on strategic investments in this sector.

He emphasized that the extension decision reflects confidence in the competence of the national teams and the probe's technical readiness, and confirms that what has been achieved is not a temporary milestone, but rather a sustainable path that solidifies the UAE's presence and global standing in the space sector.

Dr. Al Falasi explained that the Hope Probe mission has had a tangible impact on both the societal and national levels. Since the probe entered Mars' orbit in 2021, the UAE has witnessed significant progress in scientific output, alongside the expansion of the national space ecosystem since 2020. The number of entities operating in the space sector tripled between 2020 and 2025, with a notable increase in investment in research and development.

He added that between 2015 and 2025, the number of UAE universities offering programs in aerospace engineering and specialized bachelor's degree programs in space doubled, reflecting the UAE's rapid expansion of its national space system and its ongoing efforts to develop national talent.