By Briana R. Zamora, NASA May 13, 2024The primary structure of the Gateway space stations HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) module is one step better to introduce following welding conclusion in Turin, Italy. HALO is one of four Gateway modules where astronauts will live, conduct science, and get ready for lunar surface missions. NASA is partnering with Northrop Grumman and their subcontractor Thales Alenia Space to develop HALO. Credit: Northrop Grumman/Thales Alenia SpaceThe Artemis IV objective advances with significant elements being assembled for the Gateway spaceport station in Turin, Italy. This includes the HALO module and the Lunar I-Hab module, which astronauts will deliver to the Gateway during the mission.The Artemis IV mission is taking shape with significant hardware for Gateway, humankinds first area station to orbit the Moon, progressing in Turin, Italy.Gateways Lunar I-Hab and HALO modules under building and construction at a Thales Alenia Space industrial plant in Turin, Italy. Credit: ESA/Stephane CorvajaNASA will launch HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) (see the background in the center of the image above) in addition to the Power and Propulsion Element (not visualized) to lunar orbit ahead of the Artemis IV objective as the very first elements of Gateway, the very first spaceport station to be assembled around the Moon.During that objective, astronauts will release in the Orion spacecraft with the Lunar I-Hab, pieces of which are shown above in the foreground, and deliver it to Gateway. Lunar I-Hab is offered by ESA (European Space Agency) with significant hardware contributions from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and is one of 4 Gateway modules where astronauts will work and live as they orbit the Moon.Gateways Lunar I-Hab and HALO modules under construction at a Thales Alenia Space plant in Turin, Italy. Credit: ESA/Stephane CorvajaThales Alenia Space finished significant welding on HALO and began the initial fabrication of Lunar I-Hab in 2015. The business is a subcontractor to Northrop Grumman for HALO, and prime contractor to ESA for Lunar I-Hab. Together with HALO, Lunar I-Hab, and the Power and Propulsion Element, 2 additional Gateway modules provided by ESA and the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre make up the core parts of the spaceport station. CSA (Canadian Space Agency) is providing the Canadarm3 advanced external robotic system and fixtures for science instruments. Gateways Lunar I-Hab and HALO modules under building at a Thales Alenia Space commercial plant in Turin, Italy. Credit: ESA/Stephane CorvajaThe international groups of astronauts living, performing science, and preparing for objectives to the lunar South Pole region from Gateway will be the very first people to make their home in deep area..
