Machining is currently underway on the core structure of the lunar Gateway’s habitation and logistics outpost or HALO. The HALO is part of the critical foundation of the Gateway, a lunar spaceship that NASA is developing with U.S. companies and international space agencies.
Northrop Grumman is developing and building the HALO. The machining is taking place at Thales Alenia Space, in Italy, Northrop Grumman’s subcontractor, where technicians started manufacturing a radial, or side, panel the outpost. The machining process involves removing sections of the thick metal cylinder leaving structural ribs to reduce its weight, but leaving it strong enough to support the systems and subsystems that will eventually be added to the module.
The HALO is the nexus of the Gateway – the place where astronauts, often on their way to the surface of the Moon, will live and work. It will provide command and control for the lunar outpost and serve as a dock for visiting vehicles, such as the Orion spacecraft, human landing systems and other elements. HALO will also support science investigations, distribute power, augment Orion’s life support systems, and provide communications for visiting vehicles and lunar surface expeditions.
The Gateway will be an outpost orbiting the Moon that will provide vital support for a sustainable, long-term human return to the lunar surface, as well as a staging point for deep space exploration. It is a critical component of NASA’s Artemis program.