Artemis II Opening the Road to the Lunar Gateway

One of the long-term goals of the Artemis program is to build a small space station in orbit around the Moon.

This station will be called the Lunar Gateway.

Unlike the International Space Station, which orbits Earth, the Gateway will circle the Moon.

Future astronauts will use it as a staging point for missions to the lunar surface.

While Artemis II will not visit the Gateway, the mission will help prepare for the flights that will.

The Role of the Lunar Gateway

Orbiting Research Station
Scientists will conduct experiments in deep space.

Mission Staging Hub
Astronauts will depart from Gateway for lunar landings.

Support Lunar Surface Missions
Gateway will help coordinate exploration near the Moon’s south pole.

Deep-Space Communications
It will act as a relay for missions beyond the Moon.

Why Gateway Matters

• Expands human presence beyond Earth orbit
• Supports long-term lunar exploration
• Provides experience for deep-space operations
• Prepares humanity for Mars missions

Artemis II is one step in a much larger journey.

A journey that will eventually place human outposts throughout the solar system.