The Crew and Science Airlock Module, also known as the Emirates Airlock Module,[1] is designed as an airlock module of the Lunar Gateway station, to be built by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.[2]
Background
The airlock module is meant to facilitate transfers to and from the habitation modules of the Gateway and into the vacuum of space. The airlock module will therefore support deep space science research as well as external Gateway maintenance.[3]
Contract
In January 2024, NASA announced the partnership with MBRSC with whom NASA shares a long-standing partnership. The UAE, in which the MBRSC is located, was among the initial signatories of the Artemis Accords. Soon after the contract was announced, design work began.[4] As part of the contract, the UAE will be able to send one of their own astronauts aboard a future Artemis mission.[5]
Design and manufacture
The project will occur in a five phased approach: planning, design, qualification, flight preparation and operations. The MBRSC will be responsible for long term management, maintenance and operation of the Airlock.[6] The Airlock will be manufactured by Thales Alenia Space[7][1]
Launch
The module is slated to launch on the Artemis 6 mission which is currently scheduled for 2031.[8]
References
- Thales Alenia Space signs a contract with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre to develop the Emirates Airlock Module, a critical element of Lunar Gateway www.thalesaleniaspace.com, 2025-02-04, retrieved 2025-11-21^
- Jeff Foust. UAE to build airlock for lunar Gateway SpaceNews, 2024-01-07, retrieved 2024-06-18^
- NASA, United Arab Emirates Announce Artemis Lunar Gateway Airlock - NASA retrieved 2024-06-18^
- Sarwat Nasir. Emirates Airlock on Lunar Gateway to run itself in absence of astronauts The National, 2024-01-25, retrieved 2024-06-18^
- UAE to provide airlock for NASA's moon-orbiting Gateway space station Space.com, 2024-01-10, retrieved 2024-06-18^
- UAE Announces its Participation in Nasa's Lunar Gateway Station UAE Announces its Participation in Nasa’s Lunar Gateway Station, 2024-06-05, retrieved 2024-06-18^
- Thales Alenia Space Italia svilupperà l'Airlock emiratino per il Lunar Gateway Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, retrieved 2025-02-17^
- Bindu Rai, ZAWYA. UAE begins work on airlock for historic Gateway Lunar Space Station www.zawya.com, retrieved 2024-06-18^