ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 19 April. Click Here for more information.
ForumIAS Answer Writing Focus Group (AWFG) for Mains 2024 commencing from 24th June 2024. The Entrance Test for the program will be held on 28th April 2024 at 9 AM. To know more about the program visit: https://forumias.com/blog/awfg2024
News: NASA has finalised the contract for the initial crew module called habitation and logistics(HALO) support for Gateway lunar orbiting outpost.
Facts:
- HALO: It refers to the pressurised living quarters where astronauts will spend their time while visiting the Gateway lunar orbiting outpost.
- Gateway Lunar Orbit outpost: It is a small spaceship that will orbit around the Moon meant for astronaut missions to the Moon and later for expeditions to Mars.
- Purpose: It will act as a temporary office for astronauts by providing living quarters for astronauts, a lab for science and research, ports for visiting spacecraft among others.
- The unique feature of the Gateway is that it can be moved to other orbits around the Moon to conduct more research.
- Developed by: It is led by NASA in collaboration with commercial and international partners: Canada (CSA), Europe (ESA), and Japan (JAXA).
- Significance: It is expected to play a major role in NASA’s Artemis program after 2024.
Additional Facts:
- Artemis program: It is a NASA’s mission that aims to send the first woman and the next man to the Moon by 2024.
