Mike Pompeo congratulates UAE on Hope Probe launch

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has congratulated the UAE on the successful launch of the Hope Probe to Mars.

In a tweet, he said the mission would inspire Emirati youth, just as astronaut Neil Armstrong had inspired Americans following the Moon landing 51 years ago.

Pompeo also praised the role of NASA and US universities in supporting the first Arab nation to join the Mars space community.

Congrats to the UAE on launching its @HopeMarsMission! Proud that American expertise from @NASA and U.S. universities supported the first Arab nation to join the Mars space community. Hope will inspire Emirati youth, just as Neil Armstrong inspired Americans 51 years ago today. pic.twitter.com/vwwDnm4jlL

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) July 20, 2020

The UAE's Hope Probe is currently cruising towards Mars following a smooth liftoff on Monday. It's expected to reach the Red Planet's orbit in another seven months.