The memorandum on collaboration between the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and Thales Alenia Space was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai. The strategic partnership with Thales Alenia Space marks an important step on the path to innovation and the development of advanced technologies in the field of space research.
The signed document allows Thales Alenia Space to become a strategic partner in the development of a lunar gateway space station. This strengthens the UAE's position in space exploration and supports the sustainability of the country's participation in global space projects.
Under the agreement, the UAE will manage the gateway space station for a possible period of up to 15 years. This will allow the country to secure a permanent presence and invest scientific contributions in the largest lunar and space program.
Selim Hamad Al Marie, General Director of MBRSC, noted: "The Emirates is one of the pioneers in the development of the lunar gateway space station alongside the USA, Japan, Canada, and the European Union. This project represents the first step towards the participation of the first Emirati astronaut in lunar orbit."
The next steps include preparing and launching space components, their integration into the lunar gateway space station. Then, it will commence the operation phase when the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre team will be responsible for the operation of the gateway, ensuring its proper functioning as an important component of the lunar gateway space station.
The station will provide the necessary functions to support astronauts and significantly enhance the mission capabilities on the lunar surface, as well as research related to solar and cosmic phenomena.
