NASA Collaborates with Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre on Autonomous Lunar Gateway Airlock
NASA is partnering with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre to incorporate autonomous features into the design of an airlock contributed by the UAE for the Lunar Gateway, a station orbiting the Moon. The goal is to make the entire station autonomous, given that astronauts will be present for only one month each year, requiring the structure to operate and maintain itself. A NASA delegation is currently in Dubai to discuss airlock features, with the launch expected at the end of the decade. Autonomous control capability for the entire station is being developed in Houston, Texas, to support ongoing scientific tests and environmental monitoring, even in the absence of a human presence. The collaboration aims to evolve autonomous capabilities and advance technology for future Mars missions as part of the Artemis program. The MBRSC will work with international and UAE companies on the airlock’s design and development.