The UAE's Hope probe has captured a stunning image of Mars from more than 1,300 kilometres above the surface of the Red Planet.
The striking shot puts into sharp focus the cutting-edge capabilities of the spacecraft, which started orbiting Mars on February 9.
The picture, taken on March 15 but released by the mission team on Sunday, shows the Elysium Planitia volcanic region of Mars.
It was taken at a resolution of 145m/pixel, enabling the probe to beam back a crystal clear image to Earth.
The Hope Probe aims to provide vital insights into the Red Planet during its remarkable odyssey in space.
Hope is best described as a weather or climate satellite.
It will study how energy moves through the atmosphere throughout the day and throughout the seasons of its 687-day year.
The spacecraft will examine why gases essential to supporting life are escaping from the planet’s atmosphere, as well as weather dynamics.
It will use its three instruments — an infrared spectrometer, exploration imager and ultraviolet spectrometer, to capture data.
The exploration imager will take photos of the planet. It will use specific filters to restrict wavelengths of light and capture images that can help scientists learn about things such as ice in the atmosphere, small water ice particles, ozone and dust storms.
The infrared spectrometer will build images of the planet at different infrared wavelengths, almost like highly-advanced heat vision goggles for Mars.
In June, spectacular images of the discrete aurora in Mars’ night side atmosphere were released.;
The findings, captured by Hope’s ultraviolet spectrometer instrument, will help scientists understand the interactions between solar radiation, Mars’ magnetic fields and the atmosphere.
Hope will remain in orbit until it degrades or is burnt up in the atmosphere.
Mission control will receive regular telemetry from Hope throughout its mission.
