Gateway lunar space station's first habitation module arrives in U.S.
by Briana R. Zamora, NASA
From the mountains of Turin to the deserts of Arizona, a core element of Gateway, humanity's first lunar space station, is now one step closer to the moon. As seen in this photo taken on April 1, 2025, the HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost), Gateway's first pressurized module, recently arrived in Gilbert, Arizona, following its fabrication by Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy.
Now on U.S. soil, the module will undergo final outfitting by primary contractor Northrop Grumman before being integrated with the Power and Propulsion Element at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Together, the two modules will launch to lunar orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket ahead of the Artemis IV mission.
HALO will support astronauts visiting Gateway and function as a command and control hub for the space station. It will feature docking ports for spacecraft such as NASA's Orion, logistics vehicles, and lunar landers and will provide data handling, energy storage, power distribution, thermal regulation, and communications and tracking capabilities.
HALO's arrival marks a major milestone in the construction of Gateway, a cornerstone of NASA's Artemis campaign to advance science and exploration on and around the moon in preparation for the next giant leap: the first human missions to Mars.
| Module | Fabricator | Location of Arrival | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| HALO | Thales Alenia Space | Gilbert, Arizona | Outfitting and Integration |
| Power and Propulsion Element | Northrop Grumman | Kennedy Space Center | Launch Preparation |
“Gateway will play a critical role in the future of crewed space exploration and is essential for our lunar missions.”NASA Administrator
This historic partnership between NASA and Thales Alenia Space is a testament to international collaboration in advancing human space exploration. Understanding the technology and logistics behind Gateway is crucial for future expeditions beyond our planet.
The Importance of Gateway
Gateway is designed to serve several purpose-driven functions, including:
- Research Hub: Gateway will facilitate a variety of scientific experiments in microgravity.
- Waypoint for Lunar Landings: Gateway will act as an outpost for astronauts traveling to the lunar surface.
- Training Ground: It will serve as a training platform for future Mars missions.
- Technology Development: Gateway will help in developing technology necessary for long-duration space missions.
| Functionality | Description |
|---|---|
| Research Hub | Facilitates various scientific experiments in microgravity to enhance knowledge of human biology and technology. |
| Waypoint for Lunar Landings | Acts as an outpost for astronauts and equipment heading to and from the lunar surface. |
| Training Ground | Provides a simulation environment for Terra-based astronauts to merge into deeper explorations of Mars. |
| Technology Development | Essential for testing technology designed for long-duration space missions. |
As Gateway prepares for its future missions, it is important to recognize the role that each module will play in supporting human life beyond Earth. The journey to the moon and beyond rests on foundational technologies that are currently under development at space agencies and private companies.
Looking to the Future
The arrival of HALO is just one step in a long journey towards establishing a human presence on the moon and ultimately Mars. Future missions will aim to:
- Conduct detailed studies of the lunar surface.
- Test new technologies to enhance habitable environments in space.
- Develop sustainable energy sources for long-term lunar habitation.
- Prepare astronauts for future manned missions to Mars.
