NASA and the European Space Agency signed an agreement committing their space agencies to building the Gateway together. A release from NASA states, “The agreement signed Tuesday marks NASA’s first formal commitment to launch international crew members to the lunar vicinity as part of NASA’s Artemis Mission.” (https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-european-space-agency-formalize-artemis-gateway-partnership) Under the agreement the European space agency will contribute habitation and refueling modules, along with enhanced lunar communications to the Gateway.
NASA’s Administrator Jim Bridenstine declared “This partnership leverages the outstanding cooperation established by the International Space Station as we push forward to the Moon.” He continued, “Gateway will continue to expand NASA’s cooperation with international partners like ESA, ensuring the Artemis program results in the safe and sustainable exploration of the Moon after the initial human lunar landing and beyond.”
