NASA’s planned lunar orbit station is set to incorporate the UAE’s Airlock module, showcased in an animation illustrating its seamless integration into the Lunar Gateway space station. Developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, the Emirates Airlock will be supplied to NASA for launch by the end of the decade in exchange for a mission opportunity for one of its astronauts to the Gateway.
The UAE aims to send an astronaut on a future mission to further bolster its growing space sector. Currently, four Emiratis are part of the country’s astronaut corps, with the crew member for this mission yet to be selected.
“The Airlock will facilitate spacewalks and the transfer of hardware and scientific experiments from inside the Gateway into the vacuum of deep space. Additionally, it can serve as an additional docking point for spacecraft.” stated NASA.
“Starting with the Artemis IV mission in 2028, the international teams of astronauts living, conducting science and preparing for missions to the lunar South Pole region on Gateway will be the first humans to make their home in deep space” Added NASA.
The Airlock is equipped with state-of-the-art features, including advanced life-support systems and automated docking capabilities, essential for ensuring safety and operational efficiency on the Lunar Gateway. This platform will enable astronauts to conduct scientific research and prepare for future deep-space missions.
Another critical component of the station is the power and propulsion element (PPE), which will transform it into a potent solar-electric spacecraft. Using solar energy, the PPE will ionize xenon gas to generate thrust, maintaining the Gateway’s orbit around the Moon.
