Lunar Gateway: Paving the Path to Mars and Ceres Exploration

Speedy Summary:

• A recent study presented at the 56th Lunar adn Planetary Science Conference (LPSC 2025) explored ways to utilize the Lunar Gateway as a platform for advancing human space exploration beyond the moon, including potential missions to mars and Ceres.
• Researchers Malaya Kumar biswal (Acceleron Aerospace) and Ramesh Kumar V (Grahaa Space) focused on leveraging Human Crewed Interplanetary Transport architecture (HUCITAR) for these missions.
• The study identified key areas to test technologies such as propulsion systems, refueling methods, life support innovations, radiation shielding, spacecraft assembly and maintenance processes, and also navigation and interaction capabilities.
• Proposed mission plans outlined traveling from Lunar Gateway to Mars for orbital/surface operations before proceeding to Ceres with similar objectives before returning home.
• Challenges include managing risks, securing logistics/finances, establishing science priorities, and growth of advanced technologies. The research stresses global cooperation will be essential for success between 2040-2050 timeframe.
• Construction of Lunar Gateway’s first modules-Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) by Maxar Technologies & Habitation logistics Outpost (HALO) by Thales Alenia Space-is underway with unmanned launch in 2027; crewed Artemis missions planned from 2028 through 2032 will add more modules.
• Scientific applications include studies in planetary science, human health in space environments solar physics contribution-forward analysis impact future onward outward am direction system.

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