Mitsubishi receives order for launch rocket for Emirates Mars Mission

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), based in the United Arab Emirates, placed an order this week for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI) H-IIA launch services for the launch of the Emirates Mars Mission’s Hope spacecraft.

Hope is slated for launch in 2020 on MHI's H-IIA launch vehicle and is expected to arrive at Mars in 2021. The mission is to gain a better understanding of the Martian atmosphere and climate. The arrival is set to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the UAE. This is the fourth overseas contract for MHI for its launch services.

The H-IIA rocket is the most up-to-date and reliable launcher in Japan, with a 96.7 percent success rate, successfully completing 29 launches out of 30 flights. MHI has played a key role in Japan's development of space launch vehicles since 1975. 

The UAE Space Agency handles administrative and financial responsibility for the Mars mission, while the MBRSC is responsible for guiding the design and development of Hope, as well as the execution of all phases of the mission.