United Arab Emirates News

UAE partners with European firm to build airlock for NASA’s lunar station

Emirates advances space ambitions with key role in NASA’s lunar station

UAE Joins Forces with European Space Firm to Build Airlock for NASA’s Lunar Gateway

The United Arab Emirates and a leading European space business have announced a major collaboration to create an essential section of NASA’s forthcoming Lunar Gateway space station, which will orbit the Moon and support upcoming deep-space research missions. In the UAE’s expanding involvement in the global space industry, this partnership marks a significant turning point and supports its aspirations for human spaceflight and exploration.

A Strategic Partnership for Space Exploration
On Tuesday, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, officially announced that the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has entered into an agreement with Thales Alenia Space, a leading Italian-French aerospace manufacturer, to construct an airlock module for the Lunar Gateway. In order to ensure safe operations in the station’s pressurized atmosphere, this module will be a crucial point of entry and departure for both astronauts and cargo.

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the UAE’s dedication to expanding its footprint in human spaceflight and called the deal a “major step forward” for the country’s space program. At a formal signing ceremony, he made the statement alongside Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

As previously reported by The National on December 10, MBRSC was evaluating bids from a number of international aerospace companies before to awarding the contract. The agreement’s financial specifics, however, are still unknown.

A Leading Position in Lunar Expeditions
The airlock module, which will be launched in 2030, will be a key component of the lunar gateway, facilitating cargo transfers and enabling astronauts to enter and exit the station during spacewalks. As part of the partnership, an Emirati astronaut will be confirmed to visit the gateway in the future, enhancing the UAE’s position in lunar exploration.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the significance of this endeavor by saying:

“With Thales Alenia Space emerging as a strategic partner in the UAE’s role in the Lunar Gateway Space Station, this partnership is a significant step towards achieving the country’s space exploration goals.” The first Emirati Arab astronaut to reach lunar orbit will be made possible by this innovative project, which will usher in a new era of human space exploration.

The UAE had initially signed an agreement with NASA early last year to participate in the development of the airlock module. A publicly listed US aerospace corporation was one of several multinational organizations that submitted bids for the contract.

International Cooperation in Space Research
NASA is leading the Lunar Gateway project, with the help of several space agencies, including the United Arab Emirates, Japan, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). NASA’s Artemis program, which includes the Gateway, aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a long-term presence there before moving on to Mars and other deep space destinations. Construction on the Gateway is expected to begin this decade.

UAE’s expanding astronaut corps
With four qualified astronauts, the UAE is making rapid strides in human spaceflight.

In 2019, Hazza Al Mansouri became the first Emirati astronaut to reach space.

Dr. Sultan Al Niyadi, UAE Minister of Youth Affairs, will become the first Arab astronaut to undertake a long-duration spaceflight, completing a six-month mission on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2023.During his mission, he also conducted a seven-hour spacewalk, another first for the Arab world.
After completing NASA’s astronaut training program, Mohammed Al Mulla, a former helicopter pilot for the Dubai Police, and Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Arab woman astronaut, are qualified to fly in space in the future.
With this most recent collaboration, the UAE is establishing itself as a major force in space exploration, aggressively building lunar infrastructure and getting its personnel ready for historic space missions. Deeper involvement in future interplanetary missions is made possible by the UAE’s ambitious space exploration agenda becoming a reality as it fortifies its partnerships with international space organizations.

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