Airbus to develop power systems for Lunar Gateway

Airbus Crisa, an affiliate of aerospace giant Airbus, has signed a $50 million contract to develop a power management and distribution (PMAD) system for Northrop Grumman's new lunar gateway module, servicing astronauts on their way to the Moon.

This will be the second module for the lunar gateway station - codenamed HALO (short for Habitation and Logistics Outpost) - which is currently set for liftoff in 2024 as part of NASA's plans to return to the moon.

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Set to launch initially with these two modules, current plans will allow for as many as five separate modules offering different services as part of the same station in the years following the launch.

Crisa will be providing key electronic systems and software for integration within the station's systems.

As they stand, plans are for this new module to be used as a laboratory while also offering logistics for future manned trips to both the Moon and Mars.

The HALO will be expected to provide facilities for an expected 40 days of habitation for astronauts for the first missions. It is the second major module of the lunar gateway after the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE), which is to be powered through solar arrays and should be kept in a stable orbit around the moon using thrusters.

"This contract worth more than $50 million reflects our ability to deliver highly specialised space equipment to global manufacturers and is our first contribution to the Moon-orbiting Gateway, which is part of NASA’s Artemis programme to return to the Moon," said Fernando Gómez-Carpintero, CEO of Airbus Crisa.

He described the PMAD systems as "unique for the industry", but hopes it will become a staple feature found in space stations of the future.

The systems will "ensure that HALO's battery remains at optimal levels and ready for use when the panels do not receive sufficient sunlight", he added.

"PMAD must also provide power to visiting vehicles when they dock".

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The PMAD system has four power units and will manage the electricity generated from the PPE's solar panels. It should distribute the power to onboard equipment and the rest of the station as required, always ensuring the safety of the crew on board.

It is also set to power the life support systems and interior lighting.

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