Thales confirms corrosion on HALO module, pledges fixes by Q3 2026

NASA’s briefing exposed corrosion on Lunar Gateway’s HALO and I-HAB habitats. Northrop Grumman acknowledged a manufacturing irregularity, ESA confirmed corrosion on I-HAB, and Thales Alenia Space issued a statement noting a surface metallurgical issue on HALO and promising repairs by the end of Q3 2026, with similar actions for I-HAB in coordination with ESA. Axiom Space reported related issues on Module 1. The disclosures raise questions about repair feasibility and could affect Gateway timelines beyond 2030, while underscoring competition in space-habitat pressure vessels.