Exploration Gateway Platform
{{short description|Original station design concept of the Lunar Gateway}}
{{distinguish|Lunar Gateway}}
File:ExplorationGatewayPlatform components.jpg
The Exploration Gateway Platform{{Cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/604659main_6%20-%20Panel%203_Raftery_Final.pdf |title=ISS Exploration gateway Concept. Rafferty. Nov 2011 |access-date=2011-12-09 |archive-date=2020-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929211131/https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/604659main_6%20-%20Panel%203_Raftery_Final.pdf |url-status=dead }} was a design concept proposed by Boeing in December 2011 to drastically reduce the cost of Moon, near Earth asteroids (NEAs), or Mars missions by using components already designed to construct a refueling depot and servicing station located at one of the Earth–Moon Lagrange points, L1 or L2.{{Cite web |last=Bergin |first=Chris |date=2011-12-03 |title=Exploration Gateway Platform hosting Reusable Lunar Lander proposed |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/12/exploration-gateway-platform-hosting-reusable-lunar-lander-proposed/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}} The system claims its cost savings based on an ability to be reused for multiple missions such as a launch platform for deep space exploration, robotic relay station for moon rovers, telescope servicing and a deep space practice platform located outside the Earth's protective radiation belts.
The platform would be constructed at the International Space Station (ISS) for testing before being relocated to EM-L1 or EM-L2 via electric or chemical propulsion rockets.
Construction
The Platform would consist of parts left over from the ISS program. Parts under consideration were Node 4 to form the main connection point, parts from the Space Shuttle's Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) and Orbiter External Airlock would be combined to form a utility module for maneuvering, orientation and Extra-vehicular activity (EVA), a smaller version of the Canadian Arm to help with logistic and station-keeping, TransHab and/or possible inclusion of a 'Zvezda 2' or a Bigelow Inflatable station for life support systems, crew accommodations, storage, and laboratory space. Most components would be lifted into orbit using currently available EELV or commercial launchers.
A reusable lander would be positioned at the platform for Moon landings and refueled using NASA's new SLS heavy lift vehicle.