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Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum conducted a video conference meeting with the Hope Probe team at the Tanegashima Space Centre, Japan. He was briefed on the preparations for the Emirates Mars Mission.

Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the preparations for the Probe mission to be launched in July. The preparations for the mission launch will take place over a 50-day period.

The Dubai Crown Prince praised the efforts of the Hope Probe team and the young Emirati professionals who worked on the project. The successful transfer of the Probe from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre to its launch site in Tanegashima Space Centre proved their high level of expertise, he said. The transfer of the Probe was made possible through 83 hours of nonstop work.

Sheikh Hamdan praised the team for their efforts and said they have demonstrated to the world that nothing is impossible and that they can overcome any challenges caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Sheikh Hamdan thanked the team for their stellar efforts on the historic project saying the successful transfer of the Probe to Japan amidst the challenging global environment shows their determination and commitment. The challenges created by the global COVID-19 crisis highlights the critical need for building an advanced and sustainable science and technology sector in the UAE, he pointed out.

Addressing the Hope Probe team, the Dubai Crown Prince said, "You lead the future and you represent the UAE’s hopes in the emerging phase. You must transfer your knowledge to other sectors in the country because sharing knowledge and success stories are the heart of this project."

Sheikh Hamdan affirmed that the Hope Probe is an ambitious and challenging project. The successful completion of the project will enable the United Arab Emirates to join the elite Mars explorer club, a feat accomplished by a handful of countries, he added.

He further remarked that considerable risks still exist and many challenges still need to overcome. "We are confident that we can accomplish this mission. In 2021, we will celebrate the success of our mission to Mars along with the 50th anniversary of our Union," he noted.

During the remote meeting, the team briefed Sheikh Hamdan about various aspects of the preparations for the Probe and the challenges the team overcame to transfer the Probe from Dubai to Japan.