This is what you need to know about the UAE’s Hope Probe

“[…] Hope’s brain is a computer equipped with sophisticated software that can manoeuvre it into Mars orbit autonomously without human guidance from Earth. This is important because by the time Hope reaches Mars, there will be a 13-20 minute communication delay due to the huge distance involved.”

It all sounds seriously impressive, especially the fact that “it will be equipped with star tracker sensors that will help it to determine its position in space by studying the constellations in relation to the sun.”

His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai announced plans to build a miniature city on the Red Planet within the next 100 years at the World Government Summit earlier this year.

The project has since been named Mars 2117 and, the first steps have already been taken to ensure that it meets its 100 year deadline.

These include training specialised cadres – they are preparing new talent in fields like research, artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced space technologies.

The project’s five year plan will focus on the technical and logistical aspects of the mission – and given that nothing like this has ever been attempted before, that’s an extremely ambitious task.

The project is being led by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

Commenting on the mission, the Director General of the UAE’s Space Agency, Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi tweeted: “The UAE space sector is advancing at a blistering pace, thanks to our leadership’s steadfast support of our National Space Programme.”

The UAE space sector is advancing at a blistering pace, thanks to our leadership’s steadfast support of our National Space Program

— Dr.Mohammed AlAhbabi (@DrAlahbabi)

Mars 2117 is yet another example of Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to show young Emiratis that the sky is not the limit, and in this case, he’s doing so quite literally.

“There are no limits to the imagination and aspirations of human beings,” he tweeted, following the announcement.

“The new project is a seed that we plant today, and we expect future generations to reap the benefits, driven by its passion to learn to unveil a new knowledge…The landing of people on other planets has been a longtime dream for humans. Our aim is that the UAE will spearhead international efforts to make this dream a reality.”

“Mars 2117” is a seed we are sowing today to reap the fruit of new generations led by a passion for science and advancing human knowledge.

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd)

We aspire in the coming century to develop science, technology and our youth’s passion for knowledge. This project is driven by that vision.

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd)

Once the first few stages are complete, the next steps will look into mobility, housing, energy and food on Mars.