description Lunar Gateway Overview
Lunar Gateway is a planned crew-capable space station intended to operate in orbit around the Moon as part of NASA's Artemis program. Developed with international and commercial partners, it is designed to support lunar missions, scientific research, communications, and preparations for exploration farther into space. Its planned elements include power and propulsion, habitation, logistics, and docking capabilities for visiting spacecraft.
help Lunar Gateway FAQ
Is Lunar Gateway a Moon base?
No. Lunar Gateway is planned as a small crew-capable station in lunar orbit that would support Artemis missions, science, communications, and preparation for surface expeditions. [NASA Gateway overview](https://www.nasa.gov/reference/gateway-about/)
What orbit is Lunar Gateway intended to use?
Gateway is designed for a near-rectilinear halo orbit, or NRHO, around the Moon. NASA selected this orbit because it provides a useful position for lunar access, communications, and future exploration. [NASA NRHO explanation](https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis/lunar-near-rectilinear-halo-orbit-gateway/)
What are the PPE and HALO elements of Lunar Gateway?
PPE is the Power and Propulsion Element, a 60-kilowatt solar-electric propulsion spacecraft that supplies power, communications, attitude control, and orbit maintenance. HALO is the Habitation and Logistics Outpost where visiting astronauts would live and work, and NASA's current reference page says the two elements are planned to launch together on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy. [NASA Gateway overview](https://www.nasa.gov/reference/gateway-about/)
Which international partners are involved in Lunar Gateway?
NASA's partners include the European Space Agency, JAXA, and the Canadian Space Agency. NASA also announced an arrangement under which the UAE's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre would provide a Crew and Science Airlock and a future astronaut. [NASA Gateway overview](https://www.nasa.gov/reference/gateway-about/)
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