The UAE Space Agency has announced the extension of the Emirates Mars Mission, the Hope Probe, until 2028, adding three more years to its operations. The decision comes in light of the mission's strong scientific achievements and the continued high performance of its instruments, which are still collecting precise data on Mars' atmosphere and climate.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said the extension reflects the UAE's commitment to maximizing the scientific value of its space investments and to strengthening its role in global research. The move will also provide valuable operational experience for future deep-space missions, including the UAE's planned asteroid belt exploration mission.

The Hope Probe launched in July 2020, marking the UAE's first interplanetary mission. It also made the country the fifth in history to reach Mars, after the U.S., Russia, India, and China. Since its launch, the Hope Probe has released over 10 terabytes of scientific data and achieved major milestones, including the observation of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS in October 2025. The mission continues to provide important insights into Mars and broader planetary science.