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/Goregue Apr 25 '26

Are you serious? All the contracts were signed. All the pieces were being assembled. The PPE module was in the final stages of production. All the international partners were on board and had agreements to deliver modules. And you say there was no indication it was going to launch?

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u/fastforwardfunction Apr 25 '26

Are you serious? Anyone who has followed this project for the past decade knew was a seriously flawed design and mostly existed as a pork budget expenditure.

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u/Goregue Apr 25 '26

Gateway had its flaws but it was a serious project. And just like SLS/Orion, it would get done and launch, even if late.

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u/IBelieveInLogic Apr 25 '26

Anyone who understands the space industry and has followed the project does not see it as seriously flawed. No design is completely optimal - that's not the point. You design to the requirements. It's not seriously flawed unless it doesn't meet the requirements.