NASA's Artemis program is taking shape, with the power and propulsion elements for the Gateway lunar space station already assembled. This groundbreaking module will power humans into lunar orbit, paving the way for deep space exploration. With the Artemis IV astronauts becoming the first to call the Gateway home, the mission will bring unprecedented opportunities for science, lunar exploration and future journeys to Mars.

Artist's rendering of "Gateway," the power and propulsion device's advanced thrusters pushing the lunar space station toward the moon. Image credit: NASA/Alberto Bertolin

The module will provide energy and propulsion for NASA's lunar space station as it orbits the moon as part of the Artemis program.

Maxar Space Systems, Palo Alto, Calif., is assembling and installing the Gateway power and propulsion elements’ propulsion bus modules. Image source: MaxarSpaceSystems

The first astronauts to live aboard the Gateway lunar space station will arrive during NASA's Artemis IV mission, marking an important step toward long-term lunar exploration and future missions to Mars. Power and propulsion elements manufactured by Maxar Space Systems will make Gateway the most advanced solar-powered spacecraft ever built. Once in lunar orbit, Gateway will support scientific research, bring new exploration opportunities, and help astronauts prepare for deep space travel, including missions to the Red Planet.

Maxar Space Systems in Palo Alto, California, is assembling and installing the propulsion bus modules for Gateway Power and Propulsion Elements. Image source: MaxarSpaceSystems

After installing the electric propulsion and chemical propulsion control modules, technicians are installing key hardware on the in-cabin propulsion bus module. The image highlights the propellant tank exposed on the right, which is located within the central cylinder of the element.

The power and propulsion elements will launch with Gateway's HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) ahead of NASA's Artemis IV mission. During Artemis IV, V and VI, international astronauts will assemble a lunar space station around the moon and begin expeditions to the lunar south pole region.

The power and propulsion unit is managed by NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and manufactured by MaxarSpace Systems in Palo Alto, California.

An artist's rendering of the Gateway lunar space station, including its power and propulsion elements, with its solar panels unfolded. Gateway will launch its initial elements into lunar orbit ahead of the Artemis IV mission. Image credit: NASA/Alberto Bertolin

Gateway is an international cooperation project aimed at establishing mankind's first lunar space station. As a core component of the Artemis architecture, it aims to return humans to the moon for scientific discovery and point the way for mankind's first mission to Mars.

Compiled from /ScitechDaily