Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a contract with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), the scientific and technological hub driving the UAE’s leadership in space services and exploration, for the design and development of the Emirates Crew and Science Airlock Module, which will be docked to the Lunar Gateway cislunar space station.
The signing ceremony in Abu Dhabi was also attended by Teodoro Valente, President of the Italian Space Agency (ASI).
The Airlock will enable astronauts to perform spacewalks, transfer research to and from the lunar station, and serve as an additional docking port for spacecraft. This contribution to Gateway will establish the UAE as a major player in space exploration, develop the scientific community in the UAE, and prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers to support space programmes.
Emirates Airlock: Enabling Extravehicular Activities for Astronauts
The Emirates Airlock will be designed to facilitate extravehicular activities (EVA) for astronauts, enhance Gateway operations and utilisation, and provide a scientific airlock capability.
This pressurised module will offer space for the storage and maintenance of EVA suits, EVA-related tools and equipment, as well as a science airlock for transferring scientific experiments and Gateway hardware between the pressurised volume and the exterior of the cislunar space station.
The key milestones planned for 2025 include the Mission Concept Review, followed by the System Requirements Review and the Preliminary Design Reviews at the primary structure and system levels, respectively.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) for placing its trust in our company,” stated Thales Alenia Space CEO, Hervé Derrey. “This new pressurised element is crucial for the Lunar Gateway, as it will be designed to enable extravehicular activities for astronauts in particular. We are delighted to support MBRSC and the UAE’s bold vision in space exploration and their commitment to international partnerships. This new contract further reinforces Thales Alenia Space’s leading position in space transportation systems, orbital infrastructures, and deep space exploration.”
“I want to express my gratitude to MBRSC for entrusting Thales Alenia Space with the manufacturing of the Emirates Crew and Science Airlock Module dedicated to the Lunar Gateway,” said Giampiero Di Paolo, Deputy CEO and Senior Vice President, Observation, Exploration and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space.
“This partnership is a significant milestone, reflecting the trust the UAE has placed in our expertise and commitment to advancing space exploration. The Airlock module paves the way for the UAE’s remarkable commitment to innovation and excellence in space endeavours. Our goal is to collaborate with the space community to contribute to lunar exploration and the sustained presence on the lunar surface. In this regard, we continually invest in new technological developments and foster innovation. Challenges like this inspire us and our supply chain for the benefit of the entire space ecosystem.”
