The POTtogether with an international coalition of partners, has announced the development of Lunar Gatewaya Spacial station pioneer that will orbit near the Moon.
This project, which begins a new stage in space exploration, is in the development phase with shipments of modules scheduled for 2025 and operations that will not begin before 2028.
Lunar Gateway It is emerging as a key element for future missions to the Moon and Mars, opening new possibilities for the advancement of space knowledge.
Located in an almost rectilinear halo orbit, different from that of the International Space Station (ISS), Lunar Gateway is the result of a collaborative effort by nations such as the United States, Europe, Japan, Canada and the United Arab Emirates.
This project, projected to cost billions of dollars, will allow astronauts to conduct crucial scientific research and prepare for upcoming explorations to Mars, operating at a proximity of less than 2,000 miles to the lunar surface.
In a recent announcement, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson highlighted the significant contribution of the United Arab Emirates, which will provide the essential airlock for the station, thereby facilitating deep space research.
This advance underscores the international community's commitment to the peaceful exploration of space and marks the beginning of a new era led by the Artemis program.
Lunar Gateway will not only serve as a laboratory and support center for astronauts, but also as a platform for spacewalks and lunar missions.
Preparations are already underway, with initial modules being built by Maxar and Northrop Grumman, and one mission, Artemis IV, marking the official start of station operations.
While the POT has not yet detailed the participation of private missions in Gateway, the future of space exploration looks promising, with the potential return of humans from deep space scheduled for Artemis V in 2030, coinciding with the end of the ISS.
This ambitious project reaffirms the global leadership of NASA and its partners in the space adventure, promising an era of unprecedented discovery and collaboration.
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