First modules of lunar orbital station. Power and Propulsion Element + Habitation and Logistics Outpost. Will launch on SpaceX Falcon Heavy.
The Lunar Gateway is a planned small space station in a near-rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO) around the Moon — an elongated orbit ranging from about 1,500 km at its closest to 70,000 km at its farthest from the lunar surface. It will serve as a staging point for crewed missions to the Moon and, eventually, deeper into space.
The initial configuration consists of two modules launching together on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket: the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE), built by Maxar Technologies, and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO), built by Northrop Grumman. Together they provide solar electric propulsion, communications relay capability, and a small habitable volume for visiting crews.
Gateway is an international partnership involving NASA, ESA (providing the I-Hab module and ESPRIT refueling module), JAXA (life support and batteries), CSA (Canadarm3 robotic arm), and other partners. It will not be permanently crewed — rather, astronauts will visit during Artemis missions starting with Artemis IV in approximately 2028.
Establish the first crewed outpost in lunar orbit, providing a persistent platform in near-rectilinear halo orbit around the Moon.
Serve as a waypoint for crew and cargo transfers between Orion and lunar landers, enabling more flexible landing site selection.
Demonstrate high-power solar electric propulsion with the PPE's 60 kW system, enabling station-keeping and potential orbit changes.
Enable contributions from ESA (I-Hab, ESPRIT), JAXA (life support), CSA (Canadarm3), creating a model for sustained international lunar cooperation.
Provide a unique platform for science in cislunar space, including radiation monitoring, space biology experiments, and lunar surface observation.
NASA confirmed the PPE and HALO modules of the Lunar Gateway will launch together on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, targeting no earlier than late 2027. The integrated modules are being assembled and tested at various contractor facilities.
