Massimo Claudio Comparini, a senior official at Thales Alenia Space, announced the company's involvement in expanding cislunar exploration through contracts in 2020. When approached for comment about corrosion issues affecting Gateway modules HALO and I-HAB, the company initially delayed response.
A European Space Agency spokesperson attributed the issue to a combination of factors, including materials, forging process, surface treatment, and material properties. A 'tiger team' was established to investigate the corrosion.
The agency stated that the issue is technically manageable and does not constitute a showstopper for I-HAB, which remains under construction. Its fate remains unclear as European space officials contemplate their participation in the Moon base initiative.
Axiom Space has also experienced similar corrosion issues with its first module; it is leveraging NASA and Thales Alenia Space expertise to address the issue. Module 1 is on track to launch in 2028.