Hope Probe moved to launch pad ahead of historic liftoff

As the UAE's historic mission to Mars gears for take-off, the rocket that will carry the Hope Probe has been moved onto the launch pad at Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre.

Dubai Media Office tweeted the update on their official social media handle, adding that the next step will involve connecting the launch vehicle to the launch pad. 

With just over 13 hours to go, the rocket carrying the #UAE's Hope Probe to Mars has arrived at the launch pad. Next, the launch vehicle will be connected to the launch pad facilities. @HopeMarsMission pic.twitter.com/dVFMFrQuJY

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 19, 2020

Imran Sharaf, Emirates Mars Mission Project director at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, told ARN News that there are two teams preparing for the launch.

The second team, which is based in Dubai, is in charge of commanding the spacecraft, receiving and processing the mission's data.

Sharaf added that there's excitement in the air, ahead of the liftoff.

Video: The #UAE’s Hope Probe prepares to embark on its historic journey in 11 hours.

Watch the live broadcast of the launch on https://t.co/z4zeZkWr0i @HopeMarsMission pic.twitter.com/eRxgonUivY

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 19, 2020

After being delayed twice due to bad weather conditions, the probe is scheduled to take off at 1:58 am on Monday.