Paragon to Build Environment Control and Life Support System for NASA’s HALO Module

Paragon Space Development has been selected to build a critical component of the habitation and logistics outpost module for NASA’s Lunar Gateway.

The HALO module, estimated to be the size of a small studio apartment, will accommodate astronauts docking to the gateway. The pressurized living quarters can support a crew of four for up to 30 days.

Paragon said it will design an environment control and life support system as part of the HALO development team.

The ECLSS will provide a comfortable, shirt-sleeve environment for astronauts. It is envisioned to maintain air, temperature and safe levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, humidity and trace contaminants.

Grant Anderson, president, CEO and co-founder of Paragon, said in a statement that the HALO program reflects America’s re-focus on long-duration space and a renewed commitment to human space exploration.

“The HALO program will provide the precursor to extended missions to Mars, and should be inspiring to all Americans and the world community,” Grant added.

The development of the HALO module is being led by prime contractor Northrop Grumman. The company was allowed to issue subcontracts for hardware with long lead times. 

Work began after the awarding of the $187 million cost-plus-incentive-fee contract in June.

The first pieces of flight hardware for HALO were sent by Northrop to Thales Alenia Space Italy one month later. The initial components include base metal that was used for creating the pressure shell, barrel sections and interface rings for HALO.