NASA conducted the first tests of the electric motor of the future Gateway lunar station

NASA said the rocket thrusters system that will propel the Gateway station into orbit around the moon recently passed the first of many ground tests. The goal is to ensure that the PPE (Power and Propulsion Element) propulsion module is ready to fly.

Together with Maxar Technologies and Busek, NASA has completed tests of a 6 kW solar electric rocket engine (SED) subsystem designed for PPE. The firing tests were funded by NASA’s Space Technology Administration, which promotes commercial space capabilities. They included multiple launches and stops and other flight scenarios to demonstrate the system’s readiness for delivery to lunar orbit and long-term operation there.

“This is an exciting first step towards proving that the PPE propulsion module will meet Gateway’s requirements, ” said Mike Barrett, propulsion manager at NASA’s Glenn Research Center. ” These engines will be critical to delivering the first Gateway elements to lunar orbit and will help us create a dynamic research platform over the future station’s 15-year lifespan. “

This EDM is about 30% more powerful than anything Maxar or Busek has built before. Several of these 6-kilowatt motors would later be combined with others, even more powerful, to form a PPE electric propulsion system with a combined output of 50 kW. In total, PPE will become the most powerful electric rocket engine ever launched into space, allowing it to maneuver around the moon and actively explore the lunar surface.

Gateway is an important part of the new American lunar program “Artemis.” It is an orbiting lunar outpost designed to provide vital support for the sustainable and long-term exploration of Earth’s natural satellite by humans and robots. The Gateway’s founding components – the PPE and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost – will be linked together on Earth before launch using the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.