NASA said the rocket thruster 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.

NASA, together with Maxar Technologies and Busek, have successfully 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, and included multiple launches and stops, as well as 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 requirements, – said the manager of power and propulsion elements of the Glenn Research Center at NASA Mike Barrett. – These engines will be critical to deliver the first elements Gateway into lunar orbit and help us create a dynamic research platform during the 15-year lifetime of the future station. “.

This EDMS 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.