Astronomy:Crew and Science Airlock Module

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Crew and Science Airlock
A close-up of a government-reference airlock module for the Gateway Space Station. Mission planning calls for an airlock to be delivered and integrated to Gateway by the crewed Orion spacecraft on the Artemis VI mission after launching on a Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1B rocket.
Mission typeAirlock module
WebsiteMBRSC
Spacecraft properties
ManufacturerMohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Thales Alenia Space
Start of mission
Launch date2031 (planned)
RocketSLS
Launch siteKennedy Space Center, LC-39B
Orbital parameters
Reference systemNear-rectilinear halo orbit
← ESPRIT
 

The Crew and Science Airlock Module, also known as the Emirates Airlock Module,[1] is designed as an airlock module of the Lunar Gateway station, to be built by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.[2]

Background

The airlock module is meant to facilitate transfers to and from the habitation modules of the Gateway and into the vacuum of space. The airlock module will therefore support deep space science research as well as external Gateway maintenance.[3]

Contract

In January 2024, NASA announced the partnership with MBRSC with whom NASA shares a long-standing partnership. The UAE, in which the MBRSC is located, was among the initial signatories of the Artemis Accords. Soon after the contract was announced, design work began.[4] As part of the contract, the UAE will be able to send one of their own astronauts aboard a future Artemis mission.[5]

Design and manufacture

The project will occur in a five phased approach: planning, design, qualification, flight preparation and operations. The MBRSC will be responsible for long term management, maintenance and operation of the Airlock.[6] The Airlock will be manufactured by Thales Alenia Space[7][1]

Launch

The module is slated to launch on the Artemis 6 mission which is currently scheduled for 2031.[8]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Thales Alenia Space signs a contract with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre to develop the Emirates Airlock Module, a critical element of Lunar Gateway | Thales Alenia Space" (in en). 2025-02-04. https://www.thalesaleniaspace.com/en/press-releases/thales-alenia-space-signs-contract-mohammed-bin-rashid-space-centre-develop-emirates. 
  2. ↑ Foust, Jeff (2024-01-07). "UAE to build airlock for lunar Gateway" (in en-US). https://spacenews.com/uae-to-build-airlock-for-lunar-gateway/. 
  3. ↑ "NASA, United Arab Emirates Announce Artemis Lunar Gateway Airlock - NASA" (in en-US). https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-united-arab-emirates-announce-artemis-lunar-gateway-airlock/. 
  4. ↑ Nasir, Sarwat (2024-01-25). "Emirates Airlock on Lunar Gateway to run itself in absence of astronauts" (in en). https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2024/01/25/emirates-airlock-on-lunar-gateway-to-run-itself-in-absence-of-astronauts/. 
  5. ↑ "UAE to provide airlock for NASA's moon-orbiting Gateway space station" (in en). 2024-01-10. https://www.space.com/uae-airlock-nasa-gateway-moon-station-artemis. 
  6. ↑ "UAE Announces its Participation in Nasa's Lunar Gateway Station | UAE Embassy in Washington, DC" (in en). 2024-06-05. https://www.uae-embassy.org/news/uae-announces-its-participation-nasa%E2%80%99s-lunar-gateway-station. 
  7. ↑ "Thales Alenia Space Italia svilupperà l'Airlock emiratino per il Lunar Gateway". https://www.asi.it/2025/02/thales-alenia-space-italia-sviluppera-lairlock-emiratino-per-il-lunar-gateway/. 
  8. ↑ Rai, Bindu; ZAWYA. "UAE begins work on airlock for historic Gateway Lunar Space Station" (in en). https://www.zawya.com/en/business/technology-and-telecom/uae-begins-work-on-airlock-for-historic-gateway-lunar-space-station-ob47udpl. 



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