For NASA’s Lunar Gateway
Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a contract with the Dubai-based Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre to design and develop the Emirates Crew and Science Airlock Module.
This critical element will be docked to NASA’s Lunar Gateway cislunar space station and play a pivotal role in future lunar missions.
The new module will allow astronauts to conduct spacewalks, transfer scientific research, and serve as an additional docking port for spacecraft visiting the Lunar Gateway.
The Emirates Airlock will be designed to support extravehicular activities (EVAs) and facilitate astronauts’ work outside the station. It will also feature a science airlock for transferring experiments and hardware between the station’s pressurised interior and the cislunar space environment. Additionally, the module will house storage for EVA suits and tools, which are essential for ongoing lunar exploration.
The development of this airlock represents a crucial step for the UAE, solidifying its position as a key player in the global space community. This collaboration will advance the UAE’s space capabilities, support the local science community, and prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers for future space missions. The Emirates Airlock will be part of a broader strategy to enhance the Lunar Gateway, ensuring it remains a hub for international cooperation and lunar exploration.
Key project milestones are set for 2025, beginning with the Mission Concept Review, followed by the System Requirements Review and Preliminary Design Reviews. These steps will ensure the module meets the exacting standards for lunar missions and the Gateway’s long-term sustainability.
Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, highlighted the airlock’s critical role in Lunar Gateway operations, particularly extravehicular activities, and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing space exploration.
With its extensive expertise in pressurised modules, Thales Alenia Space has previously contributed key modules for cislunar missions, such as the Lunar-View and Lunar-Link for ESA and the HALO pressurised module for Northrop Grumman. This new partnership is a natural extension of its space transportation and infrastructure leadership.
Image: CGI of NASA’s Lunar Gateway cislunar space station. Credit: Thales Alenia Space
