Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
NASA’s Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) is taking shape, set to power the Gateway lunar space station—humanity’s first permanent hub in lunar orbit.
Built by Maxar Space Systems, the PPE will make Gateway the most advanced solar electric spacecraft ever, paving the way for future missions to Mars and beyond.
Credit: NASA
With Artemis IV astronauts set to be the first to live on Gateway, the space station will play a crucial role in long-term Moon exploration and deep-space travel.
Credit: NASA
Technicians are integrating electric and chemical propulsion systems into the PPE, ensuring Gateway can maneuver through lunar orbit and sustain deep-space missions.
Gateway will support expeditions to the Moon’s South Pole, where astronauts will search for water ice, unlocking the potential for sustained human presence.
The PPE will provide constant power, propulsion, and communications, acting like a “GPS” for lunar operations, guiding astronauts and rovers on the Moon’s surface.
NASA sees Gateway as a testbed for Mars missions, where astronauts will train for long-duration space travel, refining life-support and propulsion tech for the Red Planet.
Gateway isn’t just NASA’s project—ESA, JAXA, and CSA are key partners, bringing international expertise to the first-ever space station beyond Earth’s orbit.
Set to launch with Gateway’s HALO module, the PPE will be the first major step in building a permanent lunar station, setting the stage for humanity’s deep-space future.