Deal For Four Docking Mechanisms For ESA’s I-Hab Lunar Gateway Module

Redwire Space, provider of space infrastructure for the emerging space economy, announced that its Belgian subsidiary, Redwire Space NV, has been awarded a contract from Thales Alenia Space to furnish four docking mechanisms for the European Space Agency’s Lunar I-Hab habitation module for the Lunar Gateway station that will orbit the Moon.

Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between Thales 67% and Leonardo 33%. Redwire Space NV will build the International Berthing and Docking Mechanism, or IBDM, for the Lunar I-Hab. One of the IBDMs will be an active unit that mates Lunar I-Hab to the Gateway while the other three will be passive and serve as docking ports for additional Gateway modules or visiting spacecraft.

The IBDM systems incorporate advanced automation, precision alignment, and multiple redundancies for the safety of the station and any crew onboard.

Mike Gold, President of Civil and International Space at Redwire said, “We are honored to be selected by Thales Alenia Space to provide this critical capability for the Lunar I-Hab module. With decades of flight heritage, Redwire Europe is thrilled to play a vital role developing organic capability as the European market pivots toward increased independence in space and defense.”

The Lunar I-Hab is being built as a part of Thales Alenia Space’s prime contractor role, and is the habitation module to provide living quarters, lab space, and mission support infrastructure for astronauts during long-duration missions in space. The Gateway Space Station is the international lunar outpost that will orbit the Moon in an eccentric polar orbit and will support crewed missions to the Moon.

FMI:  redwirespace.com/