Dimitra Atri

Contributor

Abu Dhabi

Dimitra Atri leads the Mars Research Group at NYU Abu Dhabi's Centre for Astrophysics and Space Science. He is the principal investigator of the Aspire grant for conducting research with the UAE's Hope mission to Mars. His research is focused on planetary science, human spaceflight and astrobiology.

A digital illustration of the solar system. Nasa

CommentCould cosmic rays be fuel for life on other planets?

Cold, dark, and radioactive environments could be key to answering one of humanity’s oldest questions

CommentAugust 11, 2025

Hessa Al Matroushi, Science Deputy Project Manager in the Emirates Mars Mission, marking two years since the Hope entered Mars' orbit, in 2023. Chris Whiteoak / The National

CommentHope probe shows Arab-led science can help solve Mars mysteries

From surface temperatures to ‘Marsquakes’, Hope is making discoveries to inspire regional youth to explore space

CommentFebruary 12, 2025

UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi has shared his first selfies taken from inside the International Space Station. Photo: Sultan Al Neyadi Twitter

Al Neyadi's space research brought the UAE closer to an ultimate dream

The six-month mission represents a giant leap for the UAE, the Arab world, and humanity as a whole

CommentSeptember 07, 2023

(FILES) This file photo taken on July 20, 2020, shows a screen broadcasting the launch of the "Hope" Mars probe at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai. The first Arab interplanetary mission is expected to reach Mars' orbit on February 9, 2021, in what is considered the most critical part of the journey to unravel the secrets of weather on the Red Planet. The unmanned probe -- named "Al-Amal" -- Arabic for "Hope" -- blasted off from Japan last year, marking the next step in the United Arab Emirates' ambitious space programme. / AFP / Giuseppe CACACE

UAE Mars Mission: What science can learn from Hope

Data from the space mission is being used to find out how the Red Planet can host life

CommentFebruary 12, 2021