Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway
In contrast to SLS and Orion, which bear much similarity to prior space hardware, the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway (LOP-G; sometimes called Lunar Gateway or simply Gateway) is truly something original: a manned space station that will orbit the Moon. Gateway will be about 1/6 the size of the ISS. Nonetheless, it will serve a variety of functions: a local “mission control” for crewed missions to the lunar surface, a site for spacecraft to rendezvous on trips between the Moon and Earth, a platform for astronomical observations, a space-based science laboratory, and — perhaps one day — a launch point for missions to Mars.
Much like the ISS, Gateway will be constructed in stages, with different modules and components launched into space at different times. NASA has contracted with SpaceX to use its Falcon Heavy rocket to loft the first two components of the station into space: the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO). The PPE is a solar electric (ion) propulsion module that will allow Gateway to shift its orbit as needed, while HALO is a compact pressurized crew module that will also serve as a site for spacecraft to dock and as a communications hub. The pair will be integrated on the ground before launch. Other modules will join with PPE and HALO later on, including an additional planned habitation module.
Not all smooth sailing
NASA now plans to land humans on the moon again by 2025. Considering the relatively short timeline, some have wondered whether the agency is being foolishly optimistic or making compromises to stick to this schedule, especially given the enormous technical challenges and financial costs of the program. Development of the Artemis space suits alone is projected to cost $1 billion, and the entire project is currently estimated to cost $93 billion through 2025.
Gateway has also met with criticism, most notably by Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin and former NASA administrator Michael Griffin. Griffin pointed out the Gateway won’t really be useful until lunar landings are a reality again. For now, Gateway is still on the books to launch no earlier than November 2024, but things could always change.
NASA is clearly eager to move forward with Artemis, but the agency has had to contend with several setbacks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and related supply chain issues. It is worth noting that NASA has yet to launch the first uncrewed Artemis 1 mission, after scrubbing the first attempt at a wet dress rehearsal for the SLS in April. That three-day test is now rescheduled for June 18, after which NASA will discuss the results and a potential launch date.
The space race that spurred Apollo to the Moon had behind it much of the nation’s support and a meaningful deadline of Dec. 31, 1969, to land on the Moon. But Artemis is ultimately a different program for a different century — one that many feel will need to prove its value to succeed.