NASA’s Artemis IV astronauts will be the first to inhabit the lunar space station, opening up new possibilities for exploration of the Moon. The Gateway’s Power and Propulsion Element is a critical component that will power the station’s journey and provide unique science opportunities. Assembling the element at Maxar Space Systems’ facility in Palo Alto, California, technicians have installed key hardware, including electric propulsion and chemical control modules.
The Power and Propulsion Element will launch with the Gateway’s Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) ahead of NASA’s Artemis IV mission. Over the course of multiple missions, international crews will assemble the lunar space station around the Moon, embarking on expeditions to the Moon’s South Pole region.
Gateway is a key part of NASA’s Artemis campaign, designed to return humans to the Moon for scientific discovery and set the stage for future human missions to Mars. The international collaboration will establish humanity’s first lunar space station, paving the way for greater exploration and understanding of our closest celestial neighbor.
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis/nasa-prepares-gateway-lunar-space-station-for-journey-to-moon