NASA has just finalized a $935-million contract with Northrop Grumman to develop the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) for Gateway, a critical way station that will be in orbit around the Moon during the Artemis Moon program. This Gateway aims to support science investigations and enable surface landings at the Moon, while also preparing astronauts for future missions to Mars.
A November 2024 launch is targeted aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, and once in orbit, HALO will be where astronauts live as well as conduct research while visiting the Gateway. The pressurized living quarters offers command / control systems for the lunar outpost and docking ports for other spacecraft, like NASA’s Orion. Other functions include hosting science investigations and communicating with lunar surface expeditions.
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NASA is building the infrastructure to expand human exploration further out into the solar system than ever before, including Gateway, the lunar space station that will help us make inspirational scientific discoveries at and around the Moon. Just as importantly, these investments will help NASA carry out the United States’ horizon goal: to further develop and test the technology and science needed for a human trip to Mars. The HALO is a critical component of Gateway, and this exciting announcement today brings us one step closer to landing American boots on both the Moon and Mars,” said Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator.
