UAE Hope Probe: Students learn life lessons from historic Mars mission

Dubai - Students across the country were honoured to have witnessed Hope's epic entry into the Martian orbit.

For the UAE’s students and little space dreamers, Hope’s entry into the Martian orbit on February 9 was not only a historic moment — but a life lesson.

“Anything is possible. No matter where you come from, you can accomplish your dreams,” said Grade 8 Emirati student Sara Alawar of GEMS Al Barsha National School, noting how a young country like the UAE inspired the Arab world to shoot for the stars.

DON'T MISS: Hope Probe's first image of Mars is out

Ninth-grader Alya Ali Saeed Binthalith, who has always been interested in the red planet, said: “I feel honoured to be able to say that my country did that! The UAE has always aspired to be the best, and this mission has put them on the journey of discovering other planets.”

Saif Jasim Hussain Al Ali added: “The mission has inspired me to realise that anything is possible with hard work and determination. It makes me realise that everyone in this country can grow and develop just like the UAE.” Teachers and school heads were all delighted to see the glimmer in students’ eyes as they talked about Hope.

Richard Drew, principal at Jumeirah Baccalaureate School, said: “The students and staff have been enthralled by the UAE mission to Mars. It’s a great achievement for the UAE and mankind.”

Iona Lane, secondary subject leader for science and biology teacher, said: “I am continuously impressed by the UAE’s drive to innovate and inspire to do what many may deem impossible.

Sarfaraz Svar​, secondary school teacher at a Dubai campus, added: “This provides inspiration to Emiratis and Arabs for financial and intellectual investment. The Mars Mission is an emerging market and the UAE is one nation that will engage in this enterprise. This is a moment of pride and hope for all Arabs.”

Lisa Johnson, school principal at the American Academy for Girls, said: “It is such an amazing time to live in the UAE and be a school leader at AAG which is predominantly Emirati girls. This event has been a great opportunity for real-world learning that truly demonstrates the importance of STEM subjects and the critical role they will play in the way we work and live in the future.”

Thanks to the UAE’s Mars mission, kids in the country are now all looking to discovering all the possibilities in the Red Planet. Can it be home to humans?

Shaivi Golyan, a grade 10 student, said” “To me, The Emirates Mars Mission ‘Hope Probe’ is a massive step towards life on Mars, and to gain the information needed to solve the challenges presented by our journey to Mars.”

“With the UAE being the fifth country ever to make it to Mars, I think the Hope Probe’s name fits the occasion. Not only do I honour the mission itself, but I grandly celebrate the aeronautical engineers behind the whole project,” said James Paul Chami, another grade 10 student.

Other kids couldn’t help but imagine what life would be like in Mars. Sixth-grader Yasmina El Kantari said: “We could discover lots about what is happening on Mars so we could use materials here on earth that may not even exist yet.”

“I hope to learn from this that everything is possible," Adam Khalil said.

Tenth-grader Yuheng Yang added: “The mission mark’s the UAE’s participation in space research – a first for the Arab world, and an important one for global society – indicating our ability to explore the Red Planet and expand our habitat.”

Abdalla Khwaireh now thinks of the possibility of exploring other planets. “Maybe in the future," he said. "It’s a cool and big achievement for the UAE and the Arab world.”

Grade 12 student Durga Chandrashekar said: “We are proud to be here, in the UAE, to witness the fruit of their hard work.”

Grade 6 student Divya Chandrashekar added: “Being the very first Arab country to achieve this mission is truly an honour. The UAE is a second home for us, and we are thrilled to see the momentous event of the probe entering Mars' orbit tonight. Thank you once again for the opportunity and a huge thank you to all the scientists who have been assiduous in bringing UAE to Mars and certainly will go beyond!”

Jamal Ziad Sunna said: “I am filled with pride and exited for the UAE, considering that it is the first-ever by an Arab country.

“February 9 had been a day everyone waited for, Arabs have successfully completed their tough journey. This mission will not only affect Arabs but everyone. However, we may discover more astonishing facts," added Lileen Safi.

Emma Sayegh said: “I think that it is a great accomplishment, and it might attract more people to the country and then the UAE will get more money to build more rovers or they can take the money and make the UAE even better.”

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• Hope Mission To Mars
• UAE