Abu Dhabi–In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, The UAE announced its participation in the development of the United Arab Emirates. As part of the project, along with the United States, Japan, Canada and the European Union, it installed a module at NASA’s Lunar Gateway Station and also sent the first UAE astronaut into lunar orbit.
The country’s contribution in the development of the Lunar Gateway Station’s crew and science airlock modules is aimed at strengthening its global presence in the field of space science and technology.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, said this at an event held in Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi. “The UAE’s participation in this international project reflects our commitment to fostering partnerships with the world that contribute to the advancement of knowledge and human progress.” ”
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed pride in the national institutions and teams that contribute to the achievement of the UAE’s ambitions in the space sector, and pledged international missions to promote the UAE’s sustainable development. He reiterated his leadership’s continued support for continued participation in events and events. The country and the international community.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “We have many years of journey in the space field and our team consists of highly skilled professionals capable of commanding the most challenging scientific missions.For future Emirati projects, please feel free to contact me. Our unwavering ambition knows no bounds.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum further added, “This project will be a milestone in establishing the Moon as a base for the return of humans to the Moon, landings on the Moon, and future missions to Mars.” An important mission awaits us that represents our commitment to the future.” The Emirates team, like other international teams, is capable of achieving this mission and will support them with all the necessary resources. ”
The announcement ceremony was held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and President of the Presidential Court. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahanoun Al Nahyan, Special Affairs Adviser to the Presidential Court. Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; and many ministers and senior officials.
The UAE is the fifth partner in this project, which is one of the most important global achievements of the 21st century and a historic achievement for the UAE in the space field.
This contribution is made in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The project represents humanity’s new ambition to revisit the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years. The plan includes landing on the moon in preparation for an upcoming mission to Mars.
Airlock features and details
The UAE will be responsible for developing the Lunar Space Station’s crew and science airlocks, a key component for maintaining a safe environment for astronauts. This unit will serve as the station’s portal and the entry and exit point for missions and astronauts traveling from the Lunar Gateway Station to the lunar surface.
The UAE will also manage and operate the airlock at the base. The airlock is 10 meters long, 4 meters wide and weighs 10 tons, while the overall station size is 19 x 20 x 42 meters.
The station will also serve as a space laboratory, allowing various scientific and technological experiments, and will have a service life of at least 15 years, but with the possibility of being extended.
The first elements of the Gateway are scheduled to launch by 2025, and the Emirates Airlock is scheduled to launch by 2030.
Airlock project stages
The Airlock development phase includes five major stages: Design stage. Qualification Process. Preparing for flight. and the operational stage.
The planning phase consists of establishing the objectives, strategy, and project partners for the creation of the airlock module, and the second phase includes the development of detailed designs and specifications of the airlock unit components for assembly.
The qualification process stage is characterized by testing and qualifying the components of the airlock unit to ensure reliability and safety for space conditions and requirements. The fourth phase of airlock development includes the preparation and launch of space components and their integration into the Lunar Gateway Station.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) will be responsible for the management, maintenance and operation of the airlock, ensuring that it functions effectively as part of the Gateway.
What is Artemis?
NASA’s pivotal mission, Artemis, is focused on returning humans to the Moon and establishing a sustainable long-term lunar mission. The Artemis mission is expected to provide valuable insights into the Moon’s resources, technology, and how other celestial bodies live and operate, significantly advancing our understanding of the Moon, Mars, and the expanse of the universe. It has been.
The Lunar Gateway Station is a key element of this effort, as the first human space station to orbit the Moon. The station was built in collaboration with international and commercial partners and will provide essential capabilities to support astronaut health and mission goals.
The gateway will enable extended stays for astronauts, enhance communications with the lunar surface, and facilitate research into solar and cosmic radiation as part of the program’s vision for lunar exploration and future Mars missions. .
UAE’s significant contribution
The UAE’s involvement in Gateway marks a significant step forward in international space cooperation. This will position the country as an important leader in the future global space community.
The UAE will retain a permanent seat and make scientific contributions to the largest lunar and space exploration program. It will be one of the first countries to send astronauts to the Moon and will have priority access to advanced scientific and engineering data collected by the station, enhancing the journey of knowledge.
The Gateway will support continued exploration and research in deep space, including a docking port for a variety of visiting spacecraft. Space for the crew to live, work, and prepare for lunar missions of up to 90 days. and shipboard scientific expeditions to study solar physics, human health, and life sciences, among others.
Hamad Obaid Al-Mansouri, Chairman of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC), said: “Our participation in this project marks a new chapter in the UAE’s space exploration journey. Guided by the ambitions of our leaders, we are entering a new era in space exploration. Their wise vision will lead to the launch of NASA’s Lunar Gateway Station, a global milestone that marks the expansion of the UAE’s commitment and capabilities. It is the driving force behind our involvement in development.”
Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center, said: “We are grateful for the unwavering commitment and ambitious vision of our wise leadership, which has transformed space into a field of innovation and scientific progress. The UAE’s contribution in this project is not only a national victory but also a global achievement. It demonstrates our company’s ability to actively contribute to space exploration. This project is an international It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and reflects our eagerness to participate in re-establishing a human presence on the Moon and advancing space missions to Mars.”
