The signing ceremony, held in Abu Dhabi, included the presence of Teodoro Valente, President of the Italian Space Agency (ASI).
The Emirates Airlock will facilitate spacewalks, enable the transfer of scientific research, and serve as an additional docking hub for spacecraft. This initiative will enhance the UAE's standing in space exploration, bolster its scientific community, and prepare future generations of space professionals.
This pressurized module will accommodate EVA suits, tools, and equipment while incorporating a dedicated science airlock to facilitate the transfer of experiments and station hardware between the interior and exterior of the cislunar outpost.
Key project milestones for 2025 include the Mission Concept Review, followed by the System Requirements Review and Preliminary Design Reviews at both the primary structure and system levels.
"I would like to sincerely thank the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) for putting its trust in our company," said Thales Alenia Space CEO Herve Derrey.
"This new pressurized element is crucial for 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 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."
Giampiero Di Paolo, Deputy CEO and Senior Vice President of Observation, Exploration, and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space, added: "I want to express my gratitude to the MBRSC for entrusting Thales Alenia Space in the manufacturing of the Emirates crew and science airlock module dedicated to Lunar Gateway.
"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 to the UAE's remarkable commitment to innovation and excellence in space endeavors.
"Our goal is to work with the space community to contribute to lunar exploration and to continuous presence on the lunar surface. In that sense, we continuously invest in new technological developments and foster innovation. Challenges like this stimulate us and our supply chain for the benefit of the whole space ecosystem."
Thales Alenia Space brings extensive experience in pressurized module design, having contributed to other key Lunar Gateway elements, including Lunar-View, Lunar-Link, Lunar I-Hab for ESA, and HALO's pressurized module for Northrop Grumman. The Emirates Airlock marks its latest addition to the station's infrastructure.
Established in 2006, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is a key institution driving the UAE's leadership in space science and technology. It has become the foundation of the UAE National Space Programme, advancing research, innovation, and the development of a sustainable space sector.
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