The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been tapped to build a module for NASA‘s Lunar Gateway Station program. In the presence of UAE President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the nation solidified its commitment to advancing global space science and technology.
Commitment to global advancement
Al Nahyan emphasized the UAE’s dedication to fostering international partnerships for the development of humanity. The UAE’s participation in the development of the Crew and Science Airlock module in the Lunar Gateway Station aims to strengthen its global presence in space exploration and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
Expressing pride in the UAE’s institutions and teams, the president reiterated the country’s unwavering support for ongoing international missions. Meanwhile, the Dubai ruler highlighted the UAE’s stellar history in the space sector, emphasizing the its capability to lead challenging scientific missions.
UAE’s role
The UAE, as the fifth partner in the project, will focus on developing the Crew and Science Airlock module. Others involved in the project include the United States, Japan, Canada and the European Union. In addition, the UAE will be sending the first Emirati astronaut into lunar orbit as part of the project.
The Crew and Science Airlock module is a critical component that will serve as a portal for astronauts traveling to the Moon’s surface. The UAE will also undertake the management and operation of the station’s airlock. The airlock’s length is 10 meters, its width is 4 meters, weight 10 tons, while the size of the entire station is: 19 x 20 x 42M.
Moreover, the station will act as a space laboratory for scientific and technical experiments, with a minimum lifespan of 15 years.
The first elements of the project are expected to be launched by 2025. Meanwhile, the Emirates’ airlock contribution is scheduled to be launched by 2030.
The airlock development involves five stages, including planning, design, qualification, flight preparation, and operations. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) will manage and operate the airlock, ensuring its effective functioning as part of the Lunar Gateway Station.
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Artemis and Lunar Gateway Station
Artemis, NASA’s pivotal mission, aims to return humans to the Moon and establish sustainable long-term lunar missions. The Lunar Gateway Station, a key component of Artemis, will provide essential support for astronaut health and mission objectives. It facilitates studies on lunar resources, technologies, and celestial body habitation.
The UAE’s involvement in the Lunar Gateway Station marks a historic advancement in international space collaboration. Holding a permanent seat in the program, the UAE will contribute scientifically to the largest lunar and space exploration initiative. Priority access to advanced scientific and engineering data will enhance the nation’s journey of knowledge.
“Our participation in this project marks a new chapter in the UAE’s journey of space exploration. Guided by the ambition of our leadership, we are entering a fresh era in space exploration. Their wise vision has been a driving force behind our involvement in the development of Nasa’s Lunar Gateway Station, a global milestone showcasing the UAE’s commitment and expanding capabilities,” stated Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, chairman of MBRSC.
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