Hope Probe completes key step

The Emirates Mars Mission, EMM, the first interplanetary mission undertaken by an Arab nation, today announced the successful completion of TCM1 – its first trajectory correction manoeuvre and a major milestone for the mission as the Mars Hope probe continues its 7-month journey to Mars.

The manoeuvre marks the first firing of the Mars Hope probe’s six Delta-V thrusters, which were deployed for the first time in the vital course correction that will now see the probe directly targeting its Mars capture orbit. “TCM1 was a major milestone for us, not only because it is the first time we have deployed the spacecraft’s Delta-V thrusters, but also because it defines our path to cruise Mars,” said EMM Project Director Omran Sharaf.

Following the successful launch from the Tanegashima Space Centre in southwestern Japan on the 20th July, the Mars Hope probe will make some 7 TCMs in its 493 million Km journey to Mars. The performance of the launcher and spacecraft during the Launch and Early Operations Phase, LEOPs, has achieved an outstandingly accurate trajectory. “Hope has exceeded our expectations and is now on target to reach its Mars Orbit Insertion, MOI, requiring less adjustment to its course than we had originally planned.”

MOI is scheduled to take place early in February 2021. Hope aims to build the first full picture of Mars’ climate throughout the Martian year.

EMM and the Hope probe are the culmination of a knowledge transfer and development effort started in 2006, which has seen Emirati engineers working with partners around the world to develop the UAE’s spacecraft design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities. It is part of a long-term integrated effort to create economic opportunity around leadership in space sciences, research and exploration. The mission’s probe was named Mars Hope as a symbol of hope for all young Arabs.

Also Read: Asian Lite Daily Digital – HOPE PUTS UAE IN NEW SPACE ERA

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