The UAE's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is building an airlock for NASA's Lunar Gateway, a Moon-orbiting station that will serve as an outpost for deep-space exploration. The airlock will enable astronauts to conduct spacewalks and provide a critical docking port for spacecraft traveling to and from the lunar surface. This contribution is a cornerstone of the Artemis Accords initiative to return humans to the Moon, with both the UAE and US as key signatories.
Why This Matters
MBRSC is delivering the first Arab-built deep-space hardware—a critical piece of infrastructure for missions to the Moon and beyond. This contribution highlights the UAE's role as a vital partner in advancing US space ambitions, driving innovation and creating high-tech opportunities. Under the MBRSC-NASA agreement, the UAE will also send an astronaut to the Moon by 2030, joining a select group of nations to achieve this milestone.
“We are in a new era of exploration through Artemis — strengthened by the peaceful and international exploration of space. The UAE's provision of the airlock to Gateway will allow astronauts to conduct groundbreaking science in deep space and prepare to one day send humanity to Mars.” – NASA Administrator Bill Nelson
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