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UAE Hope Probe To Go Into Orbit Around Mars This Week
After nearly seven months in space, the Emirates Mars Mission’s Hope Probe (Arabic: مسبار الأمل, Al Amal) will make its orbital insertion on February 9, 2021. The objective of the probe is to provide the first complete portrait of the Martian atmosphere, helping scientists understand the climate dynamics of the Red Planet.
The Hope Probe was developed by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder, and it will be the first of the three spacecraft that took advantage of the July 2020 Mars launch window, with the other two being Tianwen-1 (China) and Mars 2020 (USA).
Before Hope Probe can use its three scientific instruments to answer important questions about the loss of hydrogen and oxygen from Mars into space, it must first successfully perform a complex and risky maneuver to enter a Mars orbit, using all of its six thrusters to slow down from 121,000 km/h to 18,000 km/h.
If successful, the United Arab Emirates will become only the fifth nation to reach Mars. The occasion is timed to mark the 50th anniversary of the unification of the wealthy Gulf state, so the sense of anticipation is understandably sky-high — not just figuratively but also literary. Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, currently shines red to signal the arrival of the Hope Probe to Mars.
Regardless of how the Emirates Mars Mission ends, it has already completed its goal of stimulating young students to pursue STEM-related fields.
“We’ve seen a large shift with the mindset of students, first and foremost, within the Emirates” said Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, chairperson at the UAE Space Agency and minister of state for advanced sciences in the UAE. “But we’ve also seen a lot of keen engagement within the region, a region that is typically known to be unstable, and that has triggered a lot of thoughts with regards to what is possible” she added.
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According to the world’s richest person, Elon Musk, it should be possible to send 1 million people to Mars by 2050, and the data collected by probes such as the Hope Probe are vital for making this lofty plan happen.
You’ll be able to watch live coverage of the UAE Hope Probe reaching Mars on the UAE Space Agency website.
News
Ericsson And e& Join Forces To Bring Superfast 5G To Egypt
The partnership aims to deliver fast, reliable connectivity to private users and enterprises while supporting cross-sector digital innovation.
At GITEX GLOBAL 2024, Ericsson and e& Egypt announced a groundbreaking partnership to roll out 5G technology across Egypt, promising users enhanced connectivity with faster speeds, reduced latency, and expanded bandwidth. The collaboration will cater to the growing demand for advanced mobile services for both consumers and enterprises alike.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will deliver its energy-efficient 5G product suite to establish the new network. This comprehensive 5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN) portfolio, implemented through the Ericsson Radio System, is designed to support diverse traffic conditions and site types. It aims to provide reliable performance as networks grow across mobile generations, equipping Egypt with a stable, high-capacity infrastructure to foster digital innovation.
The adoption of 5G is expected to provide Egyptians with seamless connectivity and increased network resilience. The expanded bandwidth and lower latency brought by this new infrastructure will support not only faster internet for users but also enhance industry operations and contribute to society as a whole.
“We are thrilled to bring 5G to Egypt with our technology partner, Ericsson. Through this partnership, e& Egypt will be able to provide faster connectivity speeds, larger bandwidth, and lag-free user experience to our customers, unlocking many opportunities for consumers and enterprises,” said Amr Fathy, Chief Technology and Information Officer of e& Egypt. “With Ericsson’s cutting-edge 5G solutions, we are paving the way for a more connected and innovative future for Egypt”.
Also Read: Wi-Fi 7, The Next Generation Of Wireless Internet, Is Here
Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit for e& at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, also reflected on the longstanding collaboration: “Our storied partnership with e& Egypt dates back nearly two decades, with two generational shifts in mobile technology. Like previous generational shifts, our ambition with 5G is to extend e& Egypt’s technology position”.
Ericsson and e& Egypt have collaborated successfully for years, achieving notable milestones in network innovation, customer experience, and sustainable development.