European Space Agency confirms contribution to lunar outpost

Esa’s 22 member states will help build Nasa-led station for lunar and deep space travel

The European Space Agency has signed a memorandum of understanding that confirms its member states’ participation in the planned Lunar Gateway mission to build a moon-orbiting space station, led by the United States space agency Nasa.

Under the agreement, announced on 27 October, Esa’s 22 member states will help build the parts of the space station that will supply electricity, water, oxygen and nitrogen to reusable Nasa crew capsules.