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New Artemis Virtual Meeting Backgrounds Released Celebrating Artemis I, Looking to Artemis II and Beyond


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Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)

Virtual meetings feeling a little stale? NASA has just unveiled a suite of new Artemis backgrounds to elevate your digital workspace.


From the majesty of the Artemis I launch lighting up the night sky to the iconic image of the Orion spacecraft with the Moon and Earth in view, these virtual backgrounds allow viewers to relive the awe-inspiring moments of Artemis I and glimpse the bright future that lies ahead as the Artemis campaign enables humans to live and work at the Moon’s South Pole region.


Scroll through to download your next virtual background for work, school, or just for fun, and learn about all things Artemis as the agency and its partners cross off milestones leading up to Artemis II and missions beyond.

Artemis I Launch

Framed by vegetation in the foreground and against the backdrop of a black night sky, NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft launches on the Artemis I flight test on Nov. 16, 2022, from Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft launches on the Artemis I flight test on Nov. 16, 2022, from Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA’s Artemis I mission was the first integrated flight test of the agency’s deep space exploration systems: the Orion spacecraft, SLS rocket, and ground systems. SLS and Orion launched at 1:47 a.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy.

Artemis II Crew

Underneath the wording “Artemis II” in white against a black backdrop, the Artemis II crew individual portraits are lined up in pairs from left to right across this virtual background. From left, all wearing bright orange launch-and-entry spacesuits, are Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency.
Credit: NASA

Meet the astronauts who will fly around the Moon during the Artemis II mission. From left are Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency.

Astronaut Regolith

An artist’s concept shows two Artemis crew members wearing white spacesuits with large, square life-support system backpacks and round helmets with gold visors on the pebbled gray surface of the Moon. In the foreground, an astronaut holds out a palm-sized lunar sample toward the viewer. A few feet behind the astronaut in the foreground, another crew member uses a camera to take a snapshot aimed at the rocky surface. The scene is backdropped by a black night sky.
Credit: NASA

An artist’s concept of two suited Artemis crew members working on the lunar surface. The samples collected during future Artemis missions will continue to advance our knowledge of the solar system and help us understand the history and formation of Earth and the Moon, uncovering some of the mysteries that have long eluded scientists.

Exploration Ground Systems

Framed by a blue sky and white clouds, NASA’s mobile launcher — a vertical, rectangular structure constructed of gray metal and open scaffolding — seemingly rises into the sky. At the top of the structure is an American flag waving in the wind. The mobile launcher sits atop Crawler Transporter-2 — a flat, square platform that carries heavy structures to the launch pad on tooth-metal wheels, or sprockets, which are commonly seen on tanks. Crawler Transporter-2 also has an American flag affixed to the front, which lies flat against the structure.
Credit: NASA

NASA’s mobile launcher, atop Crawler Transporter-2, is at the entrance to High Bay 3 at the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) on Sept. 8, 2018, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This is the first time that the modified mobile launcher made the trip to the pad and the VAB. The mobile launcher is the structure that is used to assemble, process, and launch the SLS rocket.

Backdropped by a nearly cloudless blue sky, Crawler Transporter-2 — a flat, square platform that carries heavy structures to the launch pad on tooth-metal wheels, or sprockets, which are commonly seen on tanks — dominates the foreground of the image as it moves away from the launch pad. In the background near the right-hand side of the image, and in between two metal tower structures and one metal water tower, NASA’s SLS rocket with Orion spacecraft aboard is seen connected to and in front of the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B on Nov. 4, 2022. The orange core stage of the SLS rocket stands out from the white solid rocket boosters at each side and white Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage and white Orion capsule topping it.
Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

NASA’s SLS rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B on Nov. 4, 2022, as Crawler Transporter-2 departs the pad following rollout at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

In this image, at the foreground and in front of the massive USS Portland aircraft carrier ship, is the dark gray Orion capsule bobbing in the ocean after returning from its flight test around the Moon. Directly above the capsule are five visible inflated orange balloons. A large Navy helicopter is seen in a cloud-filled sky as it approaches the spacecraft from overhead.
Credit: NASA

After Orion splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, west of Baja California, the spacecraft was recovered by personnel on the USS Portland from the U.S. Department of Defense, including Navy amphibious specialists, Space Force weather specialists, and Air Force specialists, as well as engineers and technicians from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations. Personnel from NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems led the recovery efforts.

Backdropped against the pastel hues of a dawn sky, at left in the image is the Vehicle Assembly Building, a square, windowless building with gray accents and an enormous, painted American flag next to another painted NASA insignia, nicknamed the “meatball.” At right, the towering, interconnected structures of NASA’s crawler transporter, mobile launcher, and SLS rocket with Orion spacecraft atop roll out toward Launch Complex 39B for the first time on March 17, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The scene is framed by shadowed vegetation and a large body of water in the foreground.
Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber

NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher as it rolls out to Launch Complex 39B for the first time on March 17, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At left is the Vehicle Assembly Building.

First Woman

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Credit: NASA

“First Woman” graphic novel virtual background featuring an illustration of the inside of a lunar space station outfitted with research racks and computer displays. To learn more about the graphic novel and interactive experiences, visit: nasa.gov/calliefirst/

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Credit: NASA

“First Woman” graphic novel virtual background featuring the illustration of the inside of a lunar space station outfitted with research racks and computer displays, along with zero-g indicator suited rubber duckies floating throughout. To learn more about the graphic novel and interactive experiences, visit: nasa.gov/calliefirst/

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Credit: NASA

This “First Woman” graphic novel virtual background features an illustrated scene from a lunar mission. At a lunar camp, one suited astronaut flashes the peace sign while RT, the robot sidekick, waves in the foreground. To learn more about the graphic novel and interactive experiences, visit: nasa.gov/calliefirst/

Gateway

Above a small section of the Moon’s cratered and pock-marked upper sphere, the Gateway space station hosting the Orion spacecraft and SpaceX’s deep space logistics spacecraft is seen hovering at top right in the image while in a polar orbit around the Moon. Against the pitch-black backdrop, darkened solar arrays highlighted with a golden mesh pattern are oriented north and south at the front, or far left, of the space station. Gateway is a long white-and-gray tubular structure with an east-west orientation within the image, with the triangular-shaped Orion capsule docked to the far right of it — the spacecraft’s four white solar arrays evenly outstretched in the shape of an “x.”
Credit: NASA

The Gateway space station hosts the Orion spacecraft and SpaceX’s deep space logistics spacecraft in a polar orbit around the Moon, supporting scientific discovery on the lunar surface during the Artemis IV mission.

Dominating the frame of this background is the Gateway space station’s HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) module, a giant silver-colored metal tunnel formed of segments welded together. A light source at the end of the tunnel shines toward the viewer, illuminating a grid-like pattern within the metallic sections. At each side, two large portholes open to the outside. HALO is seen here within a large building in Turin, Italy, where it was welded and tested.
Credit: Northrop Grumman and Thales Alenia Space

The Gateway space station’s HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) module, one of two of Gateway’s habitation elements where astronauts will live, conduct science, and prepare for lunar surface missions, successfully completed welding in Turin, Italy. Following a series of tests to ensure its safety, the future home for astronauts will travel to Gilbert, Arizona, for final outfitting ahead of launch to lunar orbit. Gateway will be humanity’s first space station in lunar orbit and is an essential component of the Artemis campaign to return humans to the Moon for scientific discovery and chart a path for human missions to Mars.

Lunar Surface

In this artist’s concept, the SpaceX Starship human lander stands on the gray, undulating surface of the Moon against a jet-black backdrop. The lander is almost all white except for black accents near its “legs” and a thin black stripe near the top of the conical rocket. Above the thin black stripe is a miniature American flag and NASA worm insignia. Near the top of the lander is a row of 10 illuminated windows in a softened rectangular shape. A black “x” SpaceX insignia marks the bottom of the lander.
Credit: SpaceX

Artist’s concept of SpaceX Starship Human Landing System, or HLS, which is slated to transport astronauts to and from the lunar surface during Artemis III and IV.

In this artist’s concept, two crew members in white spacesuits — one kneeling, another standing — work on the gray lunar surface of the Moon to the right of Blue Origin’s Blue Moon MK-2 lander. Comprised of three connected elements in a shape reminiscent of a wide rocket ship, the lander concept is white, with a NASA meatball logo near the top and an American flag near the bottom portion. Metallic gold legs buttress out from the bottom of the lander to give it stability on the uneven regolith. In the distance is slightly undulating lunar terrain and Earth, partially hidden in shadow, rising above the lunar horizon.
Credit: Blue Origin

Artist’s concept of Blue Origin’s Blue Moon MK-2 human lunar lander, which is slated to land astronauts on the Moon during Artemis V.

Driving into the frame at the left of the virtual background, this concept image shows the “Moon buggy” for NASA’s Artemis missions — the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) — occupied by two astronauts in white spacesuits and helmets with gold visors. This LTV concept has a silver-colored open metal frame, reminiscent of off-roading sport vehicles, along with deeply grooved tires for traction on the uneven lunar terrain. A NASA insignia decal is on the LTV frame above the left front tire, along with an American flag decal on the frame above the right front tire. In the background, the undulating lunar terrain framed by the pitch-black backdrop of space.
Credit: NASA

The “Moon buggy” for NASA’s Artemis missions, the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), is seen here enabling a pair of astronauts to explore more of the Moon’s surface and conduct science research farther away from the landing site. NASA has selected Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab to advance capabilities for an LTV.

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Credit: JAXA/Toyota

An artist’s concept of the pressurized rover — which is being designed, developed, and operated by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) — is seen driving across the lunar terrain. The pressurized rover will serve as a mobile habitat and laboratory for the astronauts to live and work for extended periods of time on the Moon.

Logo

meatball-color.png?w=2048
Credit: NASA

The NASA “meatball” logo. The round red, white, and blue insignia was designed by employee James Modarelli in 1959, NASA’s second year. The design incorporates references to different aspects of NASA’s missions.

logos.png?w=2048
Credit: NASA

The NASA meatball logo (left) and Artemis logo side by side.

Moon Phases

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Credit: NASA

The different phases of the Moon, shown in variations of shadowing, extend across this virtual background.

Orion

orion-c.png?w=2048
Credit: NASA

On flight day 5 during Artemis I, the Orion spacecraft took a selfie while approaching the Moon ahead of the outbound powered flyby — a burn of Orion’s main engine that placed the spacecraft into lunar orbit. During this maneuver, Orion came within 81 miles of the lunar surface.

orion-b.png?w=2048
Credit: NASA

On flight day 13 during Artemis I, Orion reached its maximum distance from Earth at 268,563 miles away from our home planet, traveling farther than any other spacecraft built for humans.

In this first high-resolution image, taken on the first day of the Artemis I mission, the Orion spacecraft’s service module is seen at left, seemingly framing a slightly blurred Earth to its right with one dark, rectangular solar array. Intricate reddish wires cover the solar array like fine threads. The spacecraft, gleaming white, is slightly shadowed against the black expanse of space.
Credit: NASA

This first high-resolution image, taken on the first day of the Artemis I mission, was captured by a camera on the tip of one of Orion’s solar arrays. The spacecraft was 57,000 miles from home and distancing itself from planet Earth as it approached the Moon and distant retrograde orbit.

Silhouettes

In this virtual background, various scenes from Earth, Moon, and Mars are depicted within the silhouette outlines of three suited astronauts, artistically representing the interconnected nature of human space exploration from low Earth orbit to the Moon and, one day, human missions to Mars.
Credit: NASA

In this virtual background, various scenes from Earth, Moon, and Mars are depicted within the silhouette outlines of three suited astronauts, artistically representing the interconnected nature of human space exploration from low Earth orbit to the Moon and, one day, human missions to Mars.

SLS (Space Launch System)

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Credit: Joel Kowsky

In this sunrise photo at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA’s SLS rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B as preparations continued for the Artemis I launch.

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Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

In this close-up image, NASA’s SLS rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B on Nov. 12, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

virtual-backgrounds-review-110424-page-3
Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

NASA’s SLS rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen at sunrise atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B on Nov. 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Earth, Moon, and Mars

From left, an artist’s concept of the Moon, Earth, and Mars sharing the jet-black backdrop of space. At far left, a tiny Moon shrouded in shadow, the bottom half gleaming gray and bright white. Below the Moon and slightly off to the right, the bottom half of Earth is visible, showing cloud tops and an oceanic view, with the top covered in shadow. At the very far right of the virtual background, toward the upper quadrant, a partially shrouded Mars is visible. Mars is bigger than the Moon but smaller than Earth in this virtual background, its surface gleaming a rust-colored orange.
Credit: NASA

From left, an artist’s concept of the Moon, Earth, and Mars sharing space. NASA’s long-term goal is to send humans to Mars, and we will use what we learn at the Moon to help us get there. This is the agency’s Moon to Mars exploration approach.  

In this artist’s concept, the upper portion of a blended sphere represents the Earth, Moon, and Mars. The left third of the celestial body is oceanic blue, representing Earth’s oceans. The Earth piece blends into the center portion, which is shown as variations of gray with craters and other surface features reminiscent of the Moon. The Moon piece blends into the right third, which is colored in orange and indicative of Mars.
Credit: NASA

In this artist’s concept, the upper portion of a blended sphere represents the Earth, Moon, and Mars.

An artist’s concept showing, from left, the Earth, Moon, and Mars in sequence. At the left quadrant of the pitch-black background, nearly half of the Earth is shown close up, showing details like deep blue oceans and white clouds on the far-right portion. A shadow covers Earth on the left side. Slightly further in the distance and smaller in size is the Moon in a waxing crescent phase, with most of the Moon in shadow except a bright sliver visible at the right side. Further in distance and smaller in size from the Moon, Mars is also shown in mostly covered in shadow, with only a sliver of the pale orange planet visible at the right side.
Credit: NASA

An artist’s concept showing, from left, the Earth, Moon, and Mars in sequence. Mars remains our horizon goal for human exploration because it is a rich destination for scientific discovery and a driver of technologies that will enable humans to travel and explore far from Earth. 

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Catherine E. Williams

Catherine E. Williams

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After launch, SPHEREx turned on its detectors, and everything is performing as expected. Also onboard were four small satellites for NASA’s PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission, which will help scientists understand how the Sun’s outer atmosphere becomes solar wind. These missions reflect the best of the agency – pushing the boundaries of discovery and expanding our understanding of the cosmos. On March 14, NASA’s EZIE (Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer) mission launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This trio of small satellites will study auroral electrojets, or intense electric currents flowing high above Earth’s poles, helping the agency better understand space weather and its effects on our planet. The mission has taken its first measurements, demonstrating that the spacecraft and onboard instrument are working as expected. The X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft cleared another hurdle on its way to first flight. The team successfully completed an engine speed hold test, confirming the “cruise control” system functions as designed.  NASA researchers successfully tested a prototype that could help responders fight and monitor wildfires, even in low-visibility conditions. The Portable Airspace Management System, developed by NASA’s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations project, safely coordinated simulated operations involving drones and other aircraft, tackling a major challenge for those on the front lines. This is just one example of how NASA’s innovation is making a difference where it’s needed most.  NASA’s Parker Solar Probe completed its 23rd close approach to the Sun, coming within 3.8 million miles of the solar surface while traveling at 430,000 miles per hour – matching its own records for distance and speed. That same day, Parker Solar Probe was awarded the prestigious Collier Trophy, a well-earned recognition for its groundbreaking contributions to heliophysics.  In response to severe weather that impacted more than 10 states earlier this month, the NASA Disasters Response Coordination System activated to support national partners. NASA worked closely with the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency serving the central and southeastern U.S. to provide satellite data and expertise that help communities better prepare, respond, and recover.  As an example of how NASA’s research today is shaping the transportation of tomorrow, the agency’s aeronautics engineers began a flight test campaign focused on safely integrating air taxis into the national airspace. Using a Joby Aviation demonstrator aircraft, engineers are helping standardize flight test maneuvers, improving tools to assist with collision avoidance and landing operations, and ensuring safe and efficient air taxis operations in various weather conditions. NASA premiered “Planetary Defenders,” a new documentary that follows the dedicated team behind asteroid detection and planetary defense. The film debuted at an event at the agency’s headquarters with digital creators, interagency and international partners, and now is streaming on NASA+, YouTube, and X. In its first 24 hours, it saw 25,000 views on YouTube – 75% above average – and reached 4 million impressions on X.  Finland became the 53rd nation to sign the Artemis Accords, reaffirming its commitment to the peaceful, transparent, and responsible exploration of space. This milestone underscores the growing global coalition led by the United States to establish a sustainable and cooperative presence beyond Earth. In Dhaka, Bangladesh, NASA welcomed a new signatory to the Artemis Accords. Bangladesh became the 54th nation to commit to the peaceful, safe, and responsible exploration of space. It’s a milestone that reflects our shared values and growing global momentum, reaffirming the United States’ leadership in building a global coalition for peaceful space exploration.  At NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, engineers conducted calibration flights for a new shock-sensing probe that will support future flight tests of the X-59 quiet supersonic demonstrator. Mounted on a research F-15D that will follow the X-59 closely in flight, the probe will gather data on the shock waves the X-59 generates, providing important data about its ability to fly faster than sound, but produce only a quiet thump. In its second asteroid encounter, Lucy flew by the asteroid Donaldjohanson and gave NASA a close look at a uniquely shaped fragment dating back 150 million years – an impressive performance ahead of its main mission target in 2027. A celebration of decades of discovery, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope celebrated its 35th anniversary with new observations ranging from nearby solar system objects to distant galaxies – proof that Hubble continues to inspire wonder and advance our understanding of the universe. The SPHEREx team rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, spotlighting NASA’s newest space telescope and its bold mission to explore the origins of the universe. NASA received six Webby Awards and six People’s Voice Awards across platforms – recognition of America’s excellence in digital engagement and public communication. The NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed and Advanced Air Transport Technology project concluded testing of a 2.5-megawatt Wright Electric motor designed to eventually serve large aircraft. The testing used the project’s capabilities to simulate altitude conditions of up to 40,000 feet while the electric motor, the most powerful tested so far at the facility, ran at both full voltage and partial power. NASA partnered with the Department of Energy on the tests. U.S. entities can now request the Glenn Icing Computational Environment (GlennICE) tool from the NASA Software Catalog and discover solutions to icing challenges for novel engine and aircraft designs. A 3D computational tool, GlennICE allows engineers to integrate icing-related considerations earlier in the aircraft design process and enable safer, more efficient designs while saving costs in the design process. For more about NASA’s mission, visit:
      https://www.nasa.gov
      -end-
      Bethany Stevens
      Headquarters, Washington
      202-358-1600
      bethany.c.stevens@nasa.gov
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      Last Updated Apr 29, 2025 EditorJennifer M. DoorenLocationNASA Headquarters Related Terms
      What We Do Missions Science for Everyone STEM Impacts View the full article
    • By NASA
      X-ray: NASA/SAO/CXC; Optical: John Stone (Astrobin); Image Processing: NASA/SAO/CXC/L. Frattre, N. Wolk The Cygnus Loop, also known as the Veil Nebula, is a supernova remnant – the remains of the explosive death of a massive star. Studying images like these leads to discovery, but NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory provides another way to experience this data: three-dimensional (3D) models that allow people to explore – and print – examples of stars in the early and end stages of their lives.
      The 3D model of the Cygnus Loop is the result of a simulation describing the interaction of a blast wave from the explosion with an isolated cloud of the interstellar medium (that is, dust and gas in between the stars). Chandra sees the blast wave and other material that has been heated to millions of degrees. These 3D models are based on state-of-the-art theoretical models, computational algorithms, and observations from space-based telescopes like Chandra that give us accurate pictures of these cosmic objects and how they evolve over time.
      See more 3D printable models of cosmic objects.
      Image credit: X-ray: NASA/SAO/CXC; Optical: John Stone (Astrobin); Image Processing: NASA/SAO/CXC/L. Frattre, N. Wolk
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    • By NASA
      3 min read
      Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)
      Gateway’s HALO module at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Gilbert, Arizona, on April 4, 2025, shortly after its arrival from Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy. NASA/Josh Valcarcel NASA continues to mark progress on plans to work with commercial and international partners as part of the Gateway program. The primary structure of HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) arrived at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Gilbert, Arizona, where it will undergo final outfitting and verification testing.
      HALO will provide Artemis astronauts with space to live, work, and conduct scientific research. The habitation module will be equipped with essential systems including command and control, data handling, energy storage, power distribution, and thermal regulation.
      Following HALO’s arrival on April 1 from Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy, where it was assembled, NASA and Northrop Grumman hosted an April 24 event to acknowledge the milestone, and the module’s significance to lunar exploration. The event opened with remarks by representatives from Northrop Grumman and NASA, including NASA’s Acting Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Development Lori Glaze, Gateway Program Manager Jon Olansen, and NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik. Event attendees, including Senior Advisor to the NASA Administrator Todd Ericson, elected officials, and local industry and academic leaders, viewed HALO and virtual reality demonstrations during a tour of the facilities.
      Dr. Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, and Dr. Jon B. Olansen, Gateway Program manager, on stage during an April 24, 2025, event at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Gilbert, Arizona, commemorating HALO’s arrival in the United States. Northrop Grumman While the module is in Arizona, HALO engineers and technicians will install propellant lines for fluid transfer and electrical lines for power and data transfer. Radiators will be attached for the thermal control system, as well as racks to house life support hardware, power equipment, flight computers, and avionics systems. Several mechanisms will be mounted to enable docking of the Orion spacecraft, lunar landers, and visiting spacecraft.
      Launching on top of HALO is the ESA (European Space Agency)-provided Lunar Link system which will enable communication between crewed and robotic systems on the Moon and to mission control on Earth. Once these systems are installed, the components will be tested as an integrated spacecraft and subjected to thermal vacuum, acoustics, vibration, and shock testing to ensure the spacecraft is ready to perform in the harsh conditions of deep space.
      In tandem with HALO’s outfitting at Northrop Grumman, the Power and Propulsion Element – a powerful solar electric propulsion system – is being assembled at Maxar Space Systems in Palo Alto, California. Solar electric propulsion uses energy collected from solar panels converted to electricity to create xenon ions, then accelerates them to more than 50,000 miles per hour to create thrust that propels the spacecraft.
      The element’s central cylinder, which resembles a large barrel, is being attached to the propulsion tanks, and avionics shelves are being installed. The first of three 12-kilowatt thrusters has been delivered to NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland for acceptance testing before delivery to Maxar and integration with the Power and Propulsion Element later this year.
      Learn More About Gateway Facebook logo @NASAGateway @NASA_Gateway Instagram logo @nasaartemis Linkedin logo @NASA Share
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      Last Updated Apr 25, 2025 ContactLaura RochonLocationJohnson Space Center Related Terms
      Artemis Artemis 4 Earth's Moon Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate Gateway Space Station General Humans in Space Explore More
      2 min read NASA Welcomes Gateway Lunar Space Station’s HALO Module to US
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