The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) is the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) first mission to Mars. EMM is designed to orbit Mars and study the dynamics in the Martian atmosphere on a global scale, and on both diurnal and seasonal timescales. Using three scientific instruments on board of the spacecraft, EMM will provide a set of measurements fundamental to an improved understanding of circulation and weather in the Martian lower and middle atmosphere. Combining such data with the monitoring of the upper layers of the atmosphere, EMM measurements will reveal the mechanisms behind the upward transport of energy and particles, and the subsequent escape of atmospheric particles from the gravity of Mars. All the science data of the mission can be accessed through the EMM Science Data Center.
Three state-of-the-art science instruments have been designed to study the different aspects of the Martian Atmosphere.
The Discoveries of EMM
Over the past few years, the Hope Probe has contributed a series of unique and important scientific findings, transforming our understanding of the Red Planet.
New Types of Aurora
The Hope Probe has made the first observations of what they have labelled “sinuous discrete aurora”. These aurora, measured in the ultraviolet wavelength, feature huge worm-like structures that extends halfway around the Red planet. These worm-like streaks changes in shape and form, and are primarily consisting of energised electron emissions in the upper atmosphere extending many thousands of kilometres, stretching from the dayside into the nightside of Mars.
New Views of Deimos
One of the most important discoveries of the Emirates Mars Mission's Hope Probe science team was a series of new data from Mars' smaller moon, Deimos. These data were captured using the probe's three scientific instruments during its closest approach to the moon, at a distance of approximately 100 kilometers – the closest a spacecraft has made since the Viking mission in 1977.
During a special session at the International Earth Science Congress in Vienna, the science team presented all the new images, observations, and findings regarding the composition and structure of Deimos. The team emphasized that this data, discovered for the first time, contributes to a deeper understanding of Deimos within the global scientific community, enriching their knowledge with new information. The observations refuted one of the oldest theories, which suggested that the moon originated from an asteroid that was drawn into Mars' orbit. They confirmed that Deimos is more likely to have originated from Mars, rather than from an asteroid as previously assumed.
The high-resolution images taken during the closest repeat flyby of the moon include the first-ever extreme and far-ultraviolet observations, and the first hyperspectral thermal infrared data on Deimos. The observations also revealed, for the first time, areas on the far side of Deimos that had not been structurally observed before.
Mission Extension
Building on the remarkable success of the Hope Probe and plethora of scientific achievements, the mission will be extended to continue to provide valuable insights about Mars. This extension will foster greater collaboration and expand strategic partnerships with various entities and research centers in the UAE, aligning with our strategic vision for the sustainable development of the space sector. It will also ensure the enhancement of national capabilities in the space sciences according to the highest international standards, further solidifying the UAE's position in this leading and vital sector.
All the science data of the mission can be accessed through the EMM Science Data Center
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