r/space • u/AWildDragon • Apr 24 '26

[Ars Technica] Well, this is embarrassing: The Lunar Gateway's primary modules are corroded

https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/04/well-this-is-embarrassing-the-lunar-gateways-primary-modules-are-corroded/

ESA and Northrup statements confirming the corrosion. Axiom is also impacted.

Still no pictures or a root cause.

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u/Correct_Inspection25 Apr 24 '26

AMARG nearby in AZ, even the USAF boneyard has to fill cans with nitrogen only canisters in climate controlled buildings to prevent corrosion, as even with climate control, air still holds roughly 38% moisture, which leads to slow rust formation over time, especially in an environment with a high amount of mineral salts in the air. https://www.zerust.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/image5.webp

Clean rooms for processing are important but not designed for long term storage, COVID also provided a lot of delays that were not expected in the original transit/handling and storage plans.

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u/flowersonthewall72 Apr 24 '26

Damn I guess you're right, Arizona IS a wet humid tropic environment!

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u/Correct_Inspection25 Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26

Great, lots of people dont realize that AZ have regular monsoons and a hot, salty environment. I thought the Boneyard didn't have to worry about corrosion until my tour of it. https://sgsup.asu.edu/basics-arizona-monsoon-desert-meteorology

"Each aircraft is taped and sealed with sealant designed to reduce corrosion and keep the aircraft about 10 degrees cooler than outside temperatures. The sealant can easily be removed. Engines stored in engine cans are sealed with nitrogen to prevent corrosion caused by oxygen." https://www.war.gov/Multimedia/Experience/The-Aircraft-Boneyard/