What is the HALO module?

HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) is a habitation and logistics module for the Gateway lunar orbital station, developed under the Artemis program. It is designed to accommodate crew members and conduct scientific research.

Why did NASA halt work on HALO?

While NASA has not disclosed official reasons, experts suggest the pause is tied to budget optimization and a reassessment of priorities within the Artemis program. The agency may be adjusting timelines or technical requirements for the project.

How will this affect the Artemis program?

The impact on the Gateway station’s launch timeline remains unclear. However, NASA has emphasized that Northrop Grumman employees will be reassigned to other Artemis projects, minimizing risks to the program’s overall execution.

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Hardware

NASA Suspends Northrop Grumman’s Work on HALO Lunar Module

June 19, 2026

Photo: Ars Technica

Quick answer

NASA has paused Northrop Grumman’s work on the HALO module for the Gateway lunar station, reallocating staff to other Artemis program projects.

NASA has announced the suspension of Northrop Grumman’s work on the HALO habitation module for the Gateway lunar orbital station. The project, a key component of the Artemis program, aims to establish a habitable platform in lunar orbit to support long-term missions.

In an official statement, NASA representatives noted that most Northrop Grumman employees involved in the HALO project will be reassigned to other agency programs. The specific reasons for this decision have not been disclosed. Analysts attribute the changes to budget optimization needs and potential adjustments to the module’s technical requirements.

The HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) module is intended to be one of the first elements of the Gateway station, providing life support for the crew and enabling scientific experiments. Its launch was initially planned for 2025, but timelines may now be revised. NASA emphasized that the pause does not signify project abandonment but rather a temporary hold for strategic reassessment.

The Artemis program, under which the Gateway project is being developed, aims to return humans to the Moon and establish sustainable infrastructure for future Mars missions. While NASA’s decision may affect launch schedules, the agency continues work on other station components, including the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE), developed in collaboration with Maxar Technologies.

Common questions

What is the HALO module?: HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) is a habitation and logistics module for the Gateway lunar orbital station, developed under the Artemis program. It is designed to accommodate crew members and conduct scientific research.
Why did NASA halt work on HALO?: While NASA has not disclosed official reasons, experts suggest the pause is tied to budget optimization and a reassessment of priorities within the Artemis program. The agency may be adjusting timelines or technical requirements for the project.
How will this affect the Artemis program?: The impact on the Gateway station’s launch timeline remains unclear. However, NASA has emphasized that Northrop Grumman employees will be reassigned to other Artemis projects, minimizing risks to the program’s overall execution.

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