The Lunar Relay Satellite, also known as the Lunar Gateway or the Deep Space Gateway, is a planned space station that will orbit the Moon. It is part of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface by 2025 and establish a sustainable presence on the Moon.
The purpose of the Lunar Relay Satellite is to serve as a communications hub between Earth and the lunar surface. It will provide continuous communication coverage for astronauts on the Moon and for future missions to Mars. The satellite will also be used to test new technologies in deep space and to support scientific research.
As of my knowledge cutoff date in early 2023, the Lunar Relay Satellite had not yet been launched. However, NASA had announced plans to launch it in the mid-2020s. The construction and assembly of the satellite will take place over several years, with multiple launches needed to deliver all the necessary components to lunar orbit. Once completed, the Lunar Relay Satellite will play a crucial role in supporting human exploration beyond Earth orbit.
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