'It is about our survival': UAE's Mars mission prepares for launch

Arab world's first interplanetary mission will see probe orbit planet for a Martian year to study its climate

The Arab world's first interplanetary mission, due to launch in 40 days' time and reach the orbit of Mars in February next year, is about the survival and future of the entire Middle East, the leaders of the United Arab Emirates project have declared.

The launch of the unmanned probe is also the latest sign that the old cartel of space exploration, once confined to the superpowers, is being broken up by new national entrants or private sector firms.