Artemis II: Opening the Path to the Lunar Gateway

One of the long-term goals of the Artemis program is to build a small space station orbiting the Moon. This future outpost will be known as the Lunar Gateway.

Unlike the International Space Station, which circles Earth, the Gateway will orbit the Moon. Future astronauts will use it as a staging point for missions heading down to the lunar surface.

While Artemis II will not dock with the Gateway, the mission will help prepare for the flights that eventually will.

The Role of the Lunar Gateway

Orbiting Research Station
Scientists will conduct experiments in deep space beyond Earth orbit.

Mission Staging Hub
Astronauts will depart from Gateway for future lunar landing missions.

Support for Lunar Surface Exploration
The station will help coordinate exploration near the Moon’s south pole.

Deep-Space Communications Relay
Gateway will assist communication with spacecraft operating around and beyond the Moon.

Why Gateway Matters

• Expands human presence beyond Earth orbit
• Supports long-term exploration of the Moon
• Provides valuable experience for deep-space operations
• Helps prepare humanity for future missions to Mars

Artemis II is just one step in a much larger journey — a journey that could one day place human outposts across the solar system.