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NASA and Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems have completed ground testing of a far – space habitat prototype, which could help bring astronauts back to the moon.
The outpost of the deep space, known as the gateway, is a key component of NASA's Artemis program, which plans to place astronauts near the south pole of the moon by 2024. The bridge would provide a base in orbit around the moon from which astronauts could go down to the lunar surface or go farther into space.
The crew commanders of NGIS and NASA conducted a series of tests on a large-scale ground model, consisting of two housing modules and an airlock / tunnel. The tests, conducted at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, are part of Northrop Grumman's participation in the upcoming Space Technology Partnership for Exploration (2).NextSTEP-2) program.
Related: Can NASA really put astronauts on the Moon in 2024?
The prototype is based on that of Northrop Grumman Cygnus Spaceship, which is used to deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). According to a statement by Northrop Grumman, the model is equipped with crew exercise equipment, life support systems, toilets, a bay window, a galley, science boxes, a shelter against radiation and robotic workstations.
"As a partner of NASA's NextSTEP-2, Northrop Grumman has been working on this habitat for a year and a half," said Chad Davis, senior director of mission operations at Northrop Grumman. "By utilizing the design of our proven Cygnus spacecraft in flight, currently moored to the ISS, we have been working towards creating a habitat that will one day allow future astronauts to live and work in the world." deep space. "
NASA team commanders are testing how astronauts could live and work in the large-scale prototype of the Northrop Grumman Lunar Gateway.
(Image: © Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems)
The bridge model developed by Northrop Grumman is designed for 15 years of operations around the moon. In addition, he has the ability to support a crew of Orion four astronauts for long-term missions, the statement said.
The model is one of the five prototypes of dwellings under development by NASA's NextSTEP-2 program. Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Sierra Nevada Corp. and Bigelow Aerospace are other companies that are developing and testing large-scale and deep-sea habitats.
NASA's crew commanders test the exercise equipment and other habitat systems.
(Image: © Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems)
During the tests, NASA's crew commanders examined how astronauts could live and work inside the habitat. The crew also studied housing design, controls and other interfaces, according to the release.
"This is one of many ways for Northrop Grumman to support NASA's goals of further exploring the moon and beyond," Davis said in a statement.
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