The Emirates Mars mission has been extended until 2028, according to an announcement by UAE Space Agency. The extension builds on the strong performance of the Mars Hope Probe. It will deliver continued scientific data on the Martian atmosphere. It will also provide operational experience for future deep space missions.

Moreover, the agency said the extension will maximise the scientific value of national space investments. It will strengthen the UAE’s role as a contributor to the global scientific community. The mission will continue supporting research on climate change. It will also advance knowledge and innovation through space science.

Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency, said the decision reflects the country’s long-term commitment to science. He noted that the mission supports a sustainable knowledge economy. He added that it empowers national talent and increases scientific returns. Furthermore, he said the extension shows confidence in national teams and in the probe’s technical readiness. According to him, the mission represents a sustained trajectory that strengthens the UAE’s global standing in the space sector.

In addition, he highlighted the mission’s societal and national impact. Since entering Mars orbit in 2021, the probe has driven measurable scientific progress. The national space ecosystem has expanded significantly since 2020. The number of sector entities has tripled between 2020 and 2025. Investment in research and development has also increased. Meanwhile, the number of UAE universities offering aerospace and space-related degrees has nearly doubled between 2015 and 2025.

Furthermore, in October 2025, the Hope Probe captured images of Comet 3I/ATLAS in visible and ultraviolet wavelengths. The spacecraft used its EXI and EMUS instruments. It redirected its focus away from Mars toward deep space to observe the interstellar comet. The comet passed close to Mars on 3 October 2025. This proximity gave spacecraft around Mars a unique observation point.

Originally designed as a two-year mission, the probe has exceeded its initial scope. It delivered discoveries about Mars’ auroral fields. It also completed several fly-bys of the moon Deimos. These observations provided new insights into the moon’s origins. The mission aimed to collect one terabyte of atmospheric data. However, it has already gathered ten terabytes. This information has been shared through 16 data releases with more than 200 academic and research institutions worldwide.

Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, said the extension demonstrates the probe’s strong design and construction. He stated that the mission has produced more than 35 peer-reviewed scientific papers. He added that it has transformed the UAE’s education and research ecosystems. According to him, it has also created potential for tens of thousands of career opportunities.

Similarly, Mohsen Al Awadhi, Director of the Space Missions Department at the UAE Space Agency, said the mission exceeded expectations over four years. He noted that it generated new discoveries about the Martian atmosphere. He added that it reshaped the country’s science and technology landscape. The mission also created new skills and career paths for young Emiratis.

Finally, the continued operations of the Emirates Mars mission will support upcoming deep space initiatives. They will provide practical experience for teams preparing the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt. This future project aims to conduct an extensive survey of deep space and the main asteroid belt.

Related post

View all