Powering humanity’s return to the Moon

Maxar’s Power and Propulsion Element for NASA’s lunar Gateway

NASA’s Artemis program will return humans to the Moon and propel us forward into deep space. A key part of the program’s success will be Gateway, the space station that will orbit the Moon and provide more access to the lunar surface than ever before, enabling a sustainable human presence.  

Maxar’s Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) will provide power, maneuvering, attitude control and communications systems for Gateway. Built on our trusted 1300 series platform and using cutting-edge solar electric propulsion systems, PPE will make Gateway the most powerful spacecraft ever flown.  

PPE will be integrated and launched with Northrop Grumman’s Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) module, forming one spacecraft. Once launched, PPE will tow Gateway into orbit around the Moon.  

The future of human space exploration

  • Gateway enables access to the Moon, which will provide opportunities to develop new capabilities like launching from the lunar surface into deep space.

  • Gateway, powered by PPE, is an important technology demonstration for commercial space station propulsion systems.  

  • Gateway fosters international partnerships as additional countries contribute to its development. 

  • Gateway is planned to carry scientific payloads that will advance our understanding of how humans can safely travel to and from Mars – including key experiments like studying radiation exposure in deep space.
Completed assembly of PPE’s central cylinder at Maxar’s facility in Palo Alto, CA
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PPE’s central cylinder undergoes Non-Destructive Examination at Maxar’s facility in Palo Alto, CA
PPE’s Structural Static Test Article undergoes static load testing at Maxar’s Static Test Lab in Palo Alto, CA
PPE’s Structural Static Test Article undergoes static load testing at Maxar’s Static Test Lab in Palo Alto, CA

Completed assembly of PPE’s central cylinder at Maxar’s facility in Palo Alto, CA

PPE’s central cylinder undergoes Non-Destructive Examination at Maxar’s facility in Palo Alto, CA

PPE’s central cylinder undergoes Non-Destructive Examination at Maxar’s facility in Palo Alto, CA

PPE’s Structural Static Test Article undergoes static load testing at Maxar’s Static Test Lab in Palo Alto, CA

PPE’s Structural Static Test Article undergoes static load testing at Maxar’s Static Test Lab in Palo Alto, CA

Watch: retired NASA Astronaut and Maxar SVP Robert Curbeam talks about the future of space exploration.

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