Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has spoken of the "pride and honour" he has for the country's space agency pioneers. Sheikh Mohammed spoke as he met with a delegation from the UAE Space Agency, which marks its third anniversary this month. He was brought up to date on the strategic plans for space, which include sending a probe to Mars to coincide with the UAE’s 50th anniversary in 2021. The Crown Prince said the scientists and employees of the country's space programme had placed “the cornerstones for a generation of scientists who will lead the future of the national space sector". “We look forward to making a difference through enhancing sustainable development in the fields of science, technology, research and space,” he said.