Gateway zoom on ESPRIT

Artist’s impression of the core elements of the lunar Gateway showing ESPRIT. The Gateway will enable sustainable exploration around – and on – the Moon, while enabling research and demonstrating the technologies and processes necessary to conduct a future mission to Mars.

This close-up view shows the Power and Propulsion Element and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost that includes ESA's ESPRIT (European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure and Telecommunications) to supply enhanced communications, refuelling capability and a window, similar to the European-built Cupola observatory on the International Space Station.

European astronauts will join international colleagues to travel to and work on the Gateway. They will fly to the outpost on NASA’s Orion spacecraft powered by European Service Modules that provide electricity, water, air and a comfortable temperature for the astronauts (bottom right).

More about the Gateway at www.esa.int/gateway