«Moon Gate” (Lunar Gateway) is a planned space station that will orbit the Moon. It is part of NASA's Artemis program. The goal of the Artemis program is to return humans to the Moon, establish a sustainable scientific and commercial presence there and eventually reach Mars.
However, as Berna Akkali Gur, lecturer in space law at Queen Mary University of London, writes above conversationThe modular space station is currently facing delays, payment problems and the possibility of funding cuts from the US. This raises a fundamental question: is an orbiting space station necessary to achieve lunar goals, including scientific goals?
The President's proposed 2026 NASA budget calls for canceling the Gateway project. Ultimately, resistance in the Senate led to continued funding for the lunar station. Yet policymakers continue to debate its merits and necessity in the Artemis program.
What is it?
The Gateway Space Center is designed to support U.S. deep space exploration efforts. It will serve as a way station for manned and robotic missions, a platform for scientific research and a testing ground for technologies critical to sending humans to Mars.
This is a multinational project. NASA is joined by four international partners: the Canadian Space Agency, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the NASA Space Center. Mohammed bin Rashid of the United Arab Emirates.
Most of the components provided by these partners have been manufactured and shipped to the US for testing. However, the project has faced rising costs and ongoing debate about its feasibility. If rescinded, America's refusal could have far-reaching consequences.
Strategic goals
The Gateway project pursues another goal of the Artemis program – conducting lunar exploration in cooperation with industry and other countries, allowing financial costs to be shared. This is especially important in conditions of increasing competition, first of all with China.
China and Russia are pursuing their own multinational lunar project, a base called the International Lunar Research Station. The Gateway Station could be an important counterweight.
Over a quarter of a century of operation, the ISS has welcomed more than 290 people from 26 countries aboard. More than 4,000 experiments have been conducted in this unique laboratory. In 2030, the ISS will be replaced by separate national and private space stations.
However, the rest of the Artemis program is independent of the lunar space station, making the space station increasingly difficult to justify.
Some critics focus on technical problemother confirms that The original purpose of the Gateway station has lost its relevance and thirdness think that lunar missions could continue without an orbital station.
Discussions continue
Supporters counter that the Lunar Gateway provides an important platform for testing deep space technologies, enables sustainable lunar exploration, promotes international cooperation and lays the foundation for a long-term human and economic presence on the Moon. The current debate focuses on whether there is a more effective way to achieve these goals.
Despite the uncertainty, trading partners and countries remain committed to meeting their obligations. ESA is providing the International Habitat Facility (IHAB), as well as the refueling and communications systems. Canada is building the robotic arm for Gateway, Canadarm3, UAE is manufacturing the Gateway Module and Japan is supplying life support systems and habitation module components. The American company Northrop Grumman is responsible for developing the Habitat and Logistics Outpost (Halo) module, while the American company Maxar will create the transmission and engine unit (PPE). A significant portion of this equipment has already been delivered.
Canceling the project could also open the door to new alternatives, potentially including one led by ESA. ESA confirm their commitment to the Gateway project, even as the United States ultimately reconsidered its role.
