UAE partners with Thales Alenia Space for key role in NASA's lunar station

The UAE has taken a significant step in advancing its role in global space exploration by partnering with Thales Alenia Space for the development of a key component of the Gateway lunar space station.

The agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, according to WAM.

UAE's strategic role in Lunar Gateway Project

Under the agreement, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) and Thales Alenia Space will collaborate on the development of the Pressure Equalisation Unit, a crucial component of the Gateway lunar space station.

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.

The UAE will be responsible for operating the unit for up to 15 years, potentially extendable, solidifying its position as a key contributor to one of the largest lunar and space exploration initiatives.

The unit will weigh 10 tons, with a length of 10 meters and 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.

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.

The Pressure Equalisation Unit will be developed in five main stages: planning; design; qualification process; flight preparation; and operations.

The UAE first announced its participation in developing a module on the Gateway lunar space station alongside the USA, Japan, Canada and the European Union in January 2024. The project also includes sending the first Emirati astronaut into lunar orbit.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of MBRSC, described the partnership as "a major step towards realizing the UAE’s space exploration goals."

He added that the project "will usher in a new era of human space exploration," paving the way for the first Emirati astronaut to enter lunar orbit.

Screenshot of Sheikh Hamdan's tweet regarding UAE's partnership with Thales Alenia Space.@HamdanMohammad via X/Twitter

Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, expressed gratitude for the UAE's trust, stating, "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 UAE’s bold vision in space exploration."