working with women was something new for mohsen al awadhi, the lead mission systems engineer. it took some getting used to. but now they work together as equals. >> "from the beginning, we were used to seeing female engineers working on sides of technical segments and sectors that you normally think only men work there but you would be surprised to see the amount of interest that the female engineers have." >> the mars mission builds on the success of the space centre's earth observation satellite, khalifasat, launched in 2018 the first satellite built entirely in the uae and mainly by women. on the mars mission, 80 percent of the scientists are women. >> "being a researcher doesn't become an obstacle course to becoming a mother, i am indeed a mother myself, i do have a kid. it doesn't hold us away of taking care of our own families, but rather it gives us a chance to contribute to the country." >> "there is a lot of support from the center as well, supporng us with flexible timing, and also supporting us in terms of giving us specific leave when we require it." >> government