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The Gateway, previously known as the Deep Space Gateway and Lunar Orbital Platform Gateway, will be a base for research and exploration to the Moon and Mars.
Over the next 15 months, Airbus will develop a 6.5x4.5m living and research module concept for the project, a collaboration between the US, Russian, Canadian, Japanese and European space agencies.
In a second study, the European aerospace giant will design a concept for docking, refuelling and telecoms infrastructure, including an airlock for scientific equipment. Known as Esprit, the unit will be approximately 3x3m and weigh about four tonnes.
International and commercial partners will design other elements of the NASA-led project, including a second habitat and a logistics module. The American agency aims to launch the first module, the central power propulsion element, into lunar orbit in the early 2020s.
“When developing the new lunar platforms, robotic and human space exploration go hand in hand,” said Oliver Juckenhöfel, head of on-orbit services and exploration at Airbus. “Europe has a fantastic track record in both, and these two studies will help to ensure a strong European presence in future space exploration.”
David Parker, director of human and robotic exploration at ESA, said: "With these studies and other preparations, ESA aims to stay at the centre of human space exploration. The Gateway will become humanity's most remote research outpost and we hope Europe will benefit from the world of innovation, discovery and excitement that lies ahead."
The Gateway is not intended to be continually inhabited, but will likely act as a staging point for human missions to the Moon or Mars.
Airbus will present initial designs at the International Astronautical Congress in Bremen, Germany, on 3 October.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.