Thales Alenia Space has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) to become a strategic partner in developing the Pressure Equalization Unit of the Lunar Gateway space station.
The UAE aims to strengthen its global presence in the fields of space science and technology through its participation in the development of the Pressure Equalization Unit of the Lunar Gateway space station.
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and President of MBRSC, said that, “This partnership is a major step towards realizing the UAE’s space exploration goals, with Thales Alenia Space becoming a strategic partner in the country’s role in the Lunar Gateway Space Station. This trailblazing project will usher in a new era of human space exploration, paving the way for the first Emirati Arab astronaut to enter lunar orbit.”
“The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre spearheads the UAE’s involvement in this project, which represents a vital step toward establishing humanity’s permanent presence on the Moon and enabling future planetary missions. We are proud to join forces with our international partners – the United States, Japan, Canada, and the European Union – to push the frontiers of discovery and exploration,” Sheikh Hamdan added.
The UAE will be responsible for operating the Pressure Equalization Unit of the station for a potentially extendable period of up to 15 years. The unit will weigh 10 tons, with a length of 10 meters and a width of 4 meters, while the size of the entire station is 19 x 20 x 42M. This will enable the UAE to have a permanent seat and scientific contributions in the largest lunar and space exploration program.
Further, it will be among the first countries to send an astronaut to the moon during this project, with priority access to advanced scientific and engineering data gathered by the station, enhancing its journey of knowledge.
Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, commented that, “I would like to sincerely thank the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre for putting its trust in our company. This new pressurized element is crucial for the Lunar Gateway as it will be designed to enable extravehicular activities for astronauts in particular. We are delighted to accompany the MBRSC and the UAE’s bold vision in space exploration and support their commitment to international partners. This new contract emphasizes even more Thales Alenia Space’s leading positions in the fields of space transportation systems, orbital infrastructures, and deep space exploration.”
The Gateway lunar space station is a key component of NASA’s Artemis program and will be the first space station to orbit the Moon. Built in collaboration with international and commercial partners, it will provide essential support functions for astronauts, allowing them to carry out their missions efficiently.
In January 2024, the UAE revealed its involvement in developing a module for the Gateway lunar space station, joining the USA, Japan, Canada, and the European Union. The initiative also includes sending the first Emirati astronaut into lunar orbit.
