NASA Powers Up Massive Solar Engine for Moon Orbit

NASA has made significant progress on the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE), a solar-powered spacecraft that will form the backbone of the Gateway lunar outpost, according to a report published by NASA on January 11, cited by SciTechDaily.

The PPE, which was successfully powered on last year, is designed to generate up to 60 kilowatts of electricity—enough to supply power, support high-rate communications, control orientation, and maintain Gateway’s orbit around the Moon. The spacecraft will serve as Gateway’s primary energy source while also providing propulsion to maneuver the station in lunar orbit.

NASA’s Glenn Research Center is overseeing the project, with construction led by industry partner Lanteris Space Systems in Palo Alto, California. Assembly and testing of the main structure and electrical systems are underway, while advanced electric propulsion thrusters built by L3Harris and Busek are scheduled for installation. Large roll-out solar arrays, now completed, are being tested in California.

Gateway is a key component of NASA’s Artemis program and is intended to support sustainable lunar exploration, international cooperation, and future missions to Mars.