Well, this is embarrassing: The Lunar Gateway's primary modules are corroded
“Preliminary findings indicate that the issue likely results from a combination of factors.”
TL;DR
- The Lunar Gateway project has been paused by NASA.
- The HALO and I-HAB modules have significant corrosion.
- The corrosion was caused by a manufacturing irregularity by Thales Alenia Space, which built the primary structure for HALO.
- The issue is expected to delay the Gateway's application beyond 2030.
- Northrop Grumman is repairing the HALO module, and it may be repurposed for lunar surface missions.
- The European Space Agency is investigating the corrosion in I-HAB, attributing it to a combination of factors including materials and forging processes.
- Axiom Space has also reported similar corrosion issues with its first module, expected to launch in 2028.