New Problem for NASA's 'Lunar Gateway': Corrosion in Two Modules Caused by Supplier
Source: Slashdot
Background
In March, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that the moon‑orbiting “Lunar Gateway” space station was being paused to focus on missions to the lunar surface. Ars Technica noted that the project was “spending billions of dollars to make it more difficult to reach the lunar surface” and risked watching Chinese astronauts orbit the Moon instead of landing there.
Corrosion Discovery
During testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Isaacman confirmed rumors that corrosion had been found in both the HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) and I‑HAB modules of the Gateway.
“The only two habitable volumes that were delivered — both were corroded,” Isaacman said. “And that’s unfortunate because it would have delayed, probably beyond 2030, the application of Gateway…”
Northrop Grumman’s Response
Northrop Grumman issued a statement acknowledging the issue:
“Using NASA‑approved processes, Northrop Grumman is completing repairs to HALO after a manufacturing irregularity. We expect to complete repairs by the end of the third quarter. HALO can still be repurposed for any mission, and it’s the most mature technology to support a deep‑space or lunar habitat.”
The “manufacturing irregularity” refers to the primary structure of HALO, which was built by Thales Alenia Space (a French‑Italian space and defense company) and delivered from Italy to the United States about a year ago.
Thales Alenia Space and ESA Involvement
Thales Alenia Space, a major European space contractor, built several pressurized modules for the International Space Station and is collaborating with Axiom Space on a commercial station. In addition to HALO, Thales developed the I‑HAB module and a future communications and refueling module known as ESPRIT.
After the corrosion was discovered, the European Space Agency (ESA) formed a “tiger team” to investigate. The ESA spokesperson said:
“Based on the investigation and available data, the corrosion issue was understood to be technically manageable and did not constitute a showstopper for I‑HAB, which was, in any case, in better condition than HALO from a corrosion point of view.”
Impact on Axiom Space
Following the story’s publication, Axiom Space confirmed it had experienced similar corrosion issues with its first module. The company stated:
“Axiom Space has experienced a similar phenomenon with the first module; we are leveraging the expertise of NASA and Thales Alenia Space to address the issue. Module 1 is on track to launch in 2028.”