Future lunar space station habitation module sent for testing

A photo provided by NASA shows a large cylindrical module, known as HALO(Habitation and Logistics Outpost) for NASA's Gateway space station, being carefully manoeuvred into an industrial room where Thales Alenia Space technicians work in Turin, Italy. Suspended from cranes and surrounded by workers in white lab coats and protective gear, the module is being prepared for a series of stress tests.

As you know, the HALO module, one of four modules in which astronauts will live, conduct research and prepare for missions to the lunar surface is almost ready, as NASA announced earlier this year.

Once those tests are successfully completed, the module will be transported to Gilbert, Arizona, where Northrop Grumman will complete its final outfitting. It will then be launched into lunar orbit along with the Gateway power and propulsion element.

NASA and its international partners will use Gateway to explore the scientific mysteries of deep space, supporting Artemis' campaign to send humans to the Moon and paving the way for the first human missions to Mars.