His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and Thales Alenia Space.
The agreement establishes Thales Alenia Space as a strategic partner in developing the Pressure Equalisation Unit for the Gateway lunar space station.
The signing took place at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi in the presence of senior UAE officials, including His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of MBRSC. The event was also attended by dignitaries from Italy, including the President of the Italian Space Agency.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that this partnership marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s space ambitions, positioning the country as a key player in lunar exploration. He highlighted that the UAE’s role in the Gateway lunar space station would pave the way for an Emirati astronaut to enter lunar orbit, reinforcing the nation's scientific and technological leadership.
Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, and Giampiero Di Paolo, Deputy CEO of Thales Alenia Space, signed the agreement. The UAE will be responsible for operating the 10-tonne, 10-meter-long Pressure Equalisation Unit for up to 15 years, ensuring its integration within NASA’s Artemis programme.
The unit, developed in five key stages, will enable extravehicular activities and support lunar missions. This collaboration solidifies the UAE’s role in global space exploration, advancing its expertise in space science and technology while contributing to humanity’s long-term presence on the Moon.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
