The Crew and Science Airlock Module is designed as an airlock module of the Lunar Gateway station, to be built by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.[1]
.png) 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 an Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1B rocket. | |
| Mission type | Airlock module |
|---|---|
| Website | MBRSC |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 2031 (planned) |
| Rocket | SLS |
| Launch site | Kennedy Space Center, LC-39B |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Near-rectilinear halo orbit |
Background
editThe 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.[2]
Contract
editIn 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.[3] As part of the contract, the UAE will be able to send one of their own astronauts aboard a future Artemis mission.[4]
Design and manufacture
editThe 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.[5]
Launch
editThe module is slated to launch on the Artemis 6 mission which is currently scheduled for 2031.[6]
References
edit- ^ Foust, Jeff (7 January 2024). "UAE to build airlock for lunar Gateway". SpaceNews. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
- ^ "NASA, United Arab Emirates Announce Artemis Lunar Gateway Airlock - NASA". Retrieved 18 June 2024.
- ^ Nasir, Sarwat (25 January 2024). "Emirates Airlock on Lunar Gateway to run itself in absence of astronauts". The National. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
- ^ Andrew Jones (10 January 2024). "UAE to provide airlock for NASA's moon-orbiting Gateway space station". Space.com. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
- ^ "UAE Announces its Participation in Nasa's Lunar Gateway Station | UAE Embassy in Washington, DC". UAE Announces its Participation in Nasa’s Lunar Gateway Station | UAE Embassy in Washington, DC. 5 June 2024. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
- ^ Rai, Bindu; ZAWYA. "UAE begins work on airlock for historic Gateway Lunar Space Station". www.zawya.com. Retrieved 18 June 2024.