The UAE has joined the US, Japan, Canada, and the European Union to establish NASA’s Lunar Gateway station.
In addition, the country is planning to send the first Emirati Arab astronaut to the moon.
The nation’s contribution to the development of the Crew and Science Airlock module on the Lunar Gateway Station aims to strengthen its global presence in the fields of space science and technology.
Announcing the news on Sunday, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "I was pleased to attend with my brother Mohammed bin Rashid the launch of the UAE’s contributions to the historic Lunar Gateway, which will serve as humanity’s first space station around the Moon."
"Through our long-term investment in space exploration and scientific innovation, the UAE is determined to work alongside its international partners to enable collective progress for all."
Sheikh Mohammed expressed his pride in the national institutions and teams that contribute to achieving the UAE’s ambitions in the space sector and reiterated the leadership’s continued support for ongoing participation in international missions and events that advance the sustainable development of the country and the global community.
Moreover, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai said, “We have a longstanding journey in the space sector, our team comprises highly skilled professionals capable of leading the most challenging scientific missions. Our unwavering ambition knows no limits when it comes to our future Emirati projects.”
He further noted, “A significant mission awaits us in this project that represents a groundbreaking initiative for humanity's return to the Moon, landing on its surface and establishing it as a base for future missions toward Mars. The Emirati team alongside other international teams, are capable of accomplishing this mission, and we will support them by providing all the necessary resources.”
The UAE is the fifth partner in this project, which will be among the most important global achievements of the 21st century and represents a historic achievement among the UAE's accomplishments in the space sector.
The UAE will also undertake the management and operation of the station’s Airlock. The Airlock’s length is 10 meters, its width is 4 meters, weight is 10 tons, while the size of the entire station is: 19 x 20 x 42M.
The station will double as a space laboratory, enabling a range of scientific and technical experiments, and will have a minimum lifespan of 15 years, which is subject to extension.
The UAE will hold a permanent seat and contribute scientifically to the largest program for lunar and space exploration. It will be among the first countries to send an astronaut to the Moon, with priority access to advanced scientific and engineering data gathered by the station, enhancing its journey of knowledge.
The first elements of Gateway are expected to be launched by 2025, while the Emirates Airlock is scheduled to be launched by 2030.
The Airlock development stages will include five main stages: The planning stage; the design phase; the qualification process; the flight preparation; and the operations stage.
The planning stage consists of establishing objectives, strategies, and Project partners for the creation of the Airlock module, while the second stage will include the development of detailed designs and specifications for the components of the Airlock unit in order to be assembled.
The qualification process stage is characterized by testing and qualifying the Airlock unit’s components to ensure their reliability and safety for space conditions and requirements. The fourth phase of the Airlock’s development will include the preparations and launching of the space components and integrating them into the Lunar Gateway Station.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) will be responsible for managing, maintaining, and operating the Airlock, ensuring it functions effectively as part of the Gateway.
