Engineers are assembling a key power system that will drive NASA’s Gateway space station, a critical part of the agency’s Artemis program designed to expand human exploration beyond Earth.
The Power and Propulsion Element, currently under construction by Maxar Space Systems in Palo Alto, California, will enable the station to travel through space and maintain orbit around the Moon.
The station will serve as a staging point for future deep-space missions, including NASA’s long-term goal of sending astronauts to Mars.
The first crewed mission to Gateway, Artemis IV, will mark a historic step in lunar exploration, allowing astronauts to live and work aboard the station while researching the Moon’s surface.
Building the power system
Technicians have installed critical components on the Power and Propulsion Element’s propulsion system, including electric and chemical propulsion controls. A fuel tank, positioned within the central section of the unit, is now in place.
This advanced solar-electric propulsion system will make Gateway the most powerful solar-powered spacecraft ever deployed.
Once launched, the power module will be integrated with another key structure, the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO). Together, these components will form the foundation of the lunar space station before the Artemis IV mission.
Gateway will orbit the Moon, allowing for continuous research and astronaut training while preparing for future deep-space travel.
A global effort in space exploration
NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland manages the Power and Propulsion Element, ensuring its systems function effectively before launch.
The Artemis missions involve international partnerships, with astronauts from multiple space agencies expected to contribute to building Gateway in orbit.
🚀 The first habitation module of @NASA_Gateway, HALO, is ready for its trip across the pond 🗺️
The module was built by @Thales_Alenia_S and today @esa, @NASA_Gateway, @ASI_spazio and @northropgrumman are at their facilities in Turin, Italy to celebrate the milestone ✅ pic.twitter.com/CBMCtSgpve— Human Spaceflight (@esaspaceflight) February 20, 2025
As part of Artemis IV, V, and VI, these crews will complete the assembly of the station and embark on missions to the Moon’s South Pole, a region of interest for potential water resources.
Nasa’s Gateway lunar space station will serve as a 'launch pad to Mars' pic.twitter.com/U4xhH2kKw8
— The National (@TheNationalNews) February 10, 2025
Research conducted aboard Gateway will help scientists understand how to sustain long-term human presence in space, a crucial step toward sending astronauts to Mars.
Shaping the future of space travel
Gateway space station represents the next chapter of human space exploration, providing a permanent presence near the Moon for scientific research and deep-space travel.
By enabling extended lunar missions and testing new space technologies, the station will help pave the way for future space expeditions.
NASA plans to launch the Power and Propulsion Element alongside HALO in the coming years, bringing the Artemis program closer to its goal of returning humans to the Moon and beyond.
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