Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)
NASA continues to make progress on its plans to work with commercial and international partners as part of the Gateway program. The latest milestone in this effort is the arrival of the primary structure of the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) module at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Gilbert, Arizona. HALO will serve as a living and working space for Artemis astronauts and will be equipped with essential systems for their stay on the Moon.
The arrival of HALO from Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy marks an important step in lunar exploration. To commemorate this milestone, NASA and Northrop Grumman hosted an event on April 24, where attendees had the opportunity to view HALO and experience virtual reality demonstrations.
While HALO is in Arizona, engineers and technicians will install propellant and electrical lines, attach radiators for the thermal control system, and mount various mechanisms for docking of spacecraft. Additionally, the European Space Agency (ESA)-provided Lunar Link system will be installed to enable communication between crewed and robotic systems on the Moon and mission control on Earth.
Simultaneously, the Power and Propulsion Element, which is a solar electric propulsion system, is being assembled at Maxar Space Systems in Palo Alto, California. This system uses energy collected from solar panels to create thrust for the spacecraft. The central cylinder is being attached to the propulsion tanks, and avionics shelves are being installed.
The next step in both HALO’s outfitting and the assembly of the Power and Propulsion Element is comprehensive testing to ensure they are ready for the harsh conditions of deep space. This testing will include thermal vacuum, acoustics, vibration, and shock tests to verify the spacecraft’s performance.
Potential Future Trends
The developments in the Gateway program pave the way for future exploration and potential colonization of the Moon. Here are some potential future trends related to these themes:
- Increase in International Collaboration: The Gateway program has already demonstrated NASA’s willingness to work with international partners. As future Moon missions become more ambitious, international collaboration will become even more crucial. We can expect to see increased collaboration between space agencies from different countries, pooling resources and expertise to achieve common goals.
- Advancements in Habitation Technology: HALO, as the primary habitat module for Artemis astronauts, showcases the latest advancements in habitation technology. As more research is conducted on the Moon, we can expect to see further improvements in habitation infrastructure, including better command and control systems, energy storage, and thermal regulation.
- Integration of Robotics: The Lunar Link system that enables communication between crewed and robotic systems on the Moon is an example of the integration of robotics in lunar exploration. In the future, we can expect to see more advanced robotics playing a crucial role in tasks such as sample collection, resource extraction, and maintenance of infrastructure on the Moon.
- Development of Sustainable Power Systems: The Power and Propulsion Element’s solar electric propulsion system demonstrates the importance of sustainable power systems for deep space exploration. As we continue to explore the Moon and beyond, the development of advanced and efficient power systems, including solar, nuclear, and fusion technologies, will be crucial to sustain long-duration missions and support infrastructure development.
Recommendations for the Industry
Based on these potential future trends, here are some recommendations for the industry:
- Invest in International Partnerships: Space agencies and private companies should actively seek opportunities for international collaboration and partnerships. This will enable the sharing of resources, expertise, and costs, accelerating progress and expanding the scope of missions to the Moon and beyond.
- Foster Research and Development: Continued investment in research and development is essential to further advance habitation technology, robotics, and sustainable power systems. Government agencies and private companies should prioritize funding for R&D programs that focus on improving these key areas for deep space exploration and colonization.
- Promote STEM Education: To sustain the growth of the space industry and ensure a skilled workforce for future missions, there needs to be a focus on promoting STEM education. Governments, educational institutions, and organizations should invest in STEM initiatives to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts.
The developments in the Gateway program, including the arrival of HALO and the assembly of the Power and Propulsion Element, are significant steps towards the future of lunar exploration. As we continue to expand our presence on the Moon, international collaboration, advancements in habitation technology, the integration of robotics, and the development of sustainable power systems will play pivotal roles in shaping the industry.
References:
- NASA Gateway website: https://www.nasa.gov/gateway
- NASA article on Gateway’s HALO module: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-welcomes-gateway-lunar-space-stations-halo-module-to-us
- NASA article on Gateway’s Power and Propulsion Element: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-prepares-gateway-lunar-space-station-for-journey-to-moon