Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
NASA’s Gateway Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) has passed an important electrical-system test, but it is not yet a spacecraft headed for the Moon. NASA announced on January 8, 2026, that the system had been powered on earlier in 2025, while the PPE was still being assembled and tested on Earth. Its future job is to supply power and maneuver Gateway in lunar orbit—not to launch itself from Earth.
What NASA actually switched on
The milestone was the successful activation of the PPE’s main electrical system during ground testing. NASA’s announcement did not describe an in-space engine firing or the startup of a spacecraft already in lunar orbit. At the time of the update, the flight hardware was still moving through assembly and testing, including work on the propulsion system and solar arrays. NASA’s January 8, 2026 update says the power-on had happened “earlier last year,” meaning during 2025.
That distinction matters: turning on a spacecraft’s electrical system on the ground is a development milestone, not evidence that every subsystem is finished or that the vehicle has begun its journey. NASA also tested a 6-kW solar-electric propulsion subsystem on the ground in 2021, so the 2025 electrical-system activation should not be described as the first-ever firing of Gateway propulsion hardware. NASA’s account of the 2021 test describes that earlier milestone.
Recommended Free Tools
What the Power and Propulsion Element does
The PPE is the foundational power, communications, and propulsion module for Gateway, NASA’s planned lunar-orbit outpost. It is designed to generate electricity, provide high-rate communications and attitude control, maintain Gateway’s orbit, and move the station between lunar orbits when needed. NASA’s Gateway overview describes the PPE as a solar-electric propulsion spacecraft with a planned output of up to 60 kilowatts.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPLETE ANGLER PRO KIT:- Includes Bixpy K-1 motor, PP-768 power pack, SUN80 solar panel, wireless remote control, magnetic kill switch with leash, wall charger, and accessories for setup and use.
- PORTABLE ELECTRIC MOTOR SYSTEM:- Compact motor and power system designed for convenient transport, storage, and easy handling during outdoor water activities.
- WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION:- Remote control allows smooth speed adjustment and simple operation, helping users manage propulsion while on the water.
- SOLAR CHARGING OPTION INCLUDED:- SUN80 solar panel provides an additional charging option (charges approximately in 12-20 hours, depending on sunlight conditions), suitable for extended trips and off-grid environments.
- QUICK-RELEASE INSTALLATION DESIGN:- Motor system features a mounting setup that allows installation and removal when needed for transport or storage.
Calling it a “giant solar engine” is catchy but imprecise. The PPE is a spacecraft bus with large roll-out solar arrays, power-conditioning equipment, electric thrusters, propellant tanks, communications hardware, and guidance and control systems. Sunlight supplies the electricity; the thrusters use that electricity to accelerate propellant. The 60-kW figure measures electrical power, not thrust or force.
How sunlight becomes thrust
Solar-electric propulsion works by turning sunlight into electricity and then using that electricity to produce a small, sustained push:
Rank #2
- MOTOR PROPULSION SYSTEM: - The Bixpy K-1 Outboard Kit provides reliable propulsion designed for kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, dinghies, and other small personal watercraft.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE DESIGN: - Compact motor and power pack system weighs under 10 lb, making it easy to transport, install, and remove for outdoor water adventures.
- WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL: - Operate the motor using a Bluetooth wireless remote with multiple forward and reverse speed levels for smooth and convenient control on the water
- SOLAR CHARGING OPTION:- Includes the Bixpy SUN80 Solar Panel, designed for off-grid charging to help extend your time on the water. Featuring mono-crystalline cells with up to 80W output, it can recharge the Bixpy PP-378 Power Pack in approximately 6–10 hours under optimal sunlight conditions.
- DURABLE MARINE CONSTRUCTION: - Built with a corrosion-resistant aluminium body and sealed components designed for use in marine environments.
- Collect sunlight: Roll-out solar arrays convert sunlight into electrical power.
- Power the thrusters: The spacecraft’s power system conditions and distributes electricity to propulsion and other onboard systems.
- Accelerate charged propellant: In an electric thruster, an inert gas is ionized and charged particles are accelerated out of the thruster by electric and magnetic fields. NASA’s general overview explains this process and the role of high-power solar-electric propulsion. NASA’s solar-electric propulsion overview discusses xenon and krypton as propellants used in electric propulsion generally; that description should not be taken as confirmation of the PPE’s exact operational propellant.
- Build up a change in motion: The resulting thrust is low compared with a chemical rocket, but it can be applied over long periods, gradually changing a spacecraft’s trajectory.
A chemical rocket is more like a powerful sprint: it produces large thrust for a relatively short burn and consumes propellant quickly. Solar-electric propulsion is more like a persistent, gentle push. It is useful for slow transfers and orbit maintenance, but cannot lift a spacecraft from Earth or rapidly propel it away from a planet’s surface. A conventional launch vehicle must first put the spacecraft into space.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat the power and thruster ratings mean
NASA identifies a 60-kW-class power system for the PPE and several electric thrusters, rather than one 60-kW engine. Its January 2026 update lists three 12-kW advanced electric propulsion system (AEPS) thrusters made by L3Harris and four 6-kW BHT-6000 thrusters built by Busek. The ratings describe thruster design classes; they are not a promise that every thruster will operate at its rated power simultaneously. Actual power use depends on spacecraft loads, operating modes, and engineering limits. NASA’s description of the PPE’s propulsion design has previously cited about 50 kW available for propulsion in one description of the roughly 60-kW-class system.
Rank #3
- BUILD YOUR OWN MECHANICAL ORRERY: Assemble more than 600 parts to create a functional model of the solar system. The hands-on building process reveals how gears and mechanical components work together to produce coordinated planetary movement.
- 600+ PRECISION METAL PARTS: Constructed primarily from anodized aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and brass, the model combines substantial weight with refined metallic textures. Precision machining and multi-stage surface finishing create a durable, display-worthy result.
- MOTORIZED EIGHT-PLANET MOTION: A quiet electric motor drives the internal gear system, setting all eight planets in motion around the illuminated LED sun. The smooth mechanical transmission creates a captivating demonstration of planetary movement.
- ASTRONOMY MEETS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: This project brings together planetary science, physics, gearing, and mechanical design. Building and operating the model provides an engaging way to explore orbital concepts while appreciating the craftsmanship of precision machinery.
- DESIGNED FOR ADULT BUILDERS AND COLLECTORS: Measuring 14.37 × 14.37 × 9.92 inches, the completed model becomes an impressive centerpiece for an office, studio, study, or collection. Its combination of movement, illumination, and metal construction appeals to astronomy enthusiasts, engineers, model builders, and collectors.
Kilowatts measure power, not thrust. How much force a thruster produces also depends on factors such as propellant flow, exhaust speed, and efficiency. The value of the architecture is not a rocket-like shove, but the ability to use electrical power for long-duration propulsion while spending propellant efficiently.
Why Gateway needs propulsion in lunar orbit
Gateway is planned for a near-rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO), an elongated lunar orbit selected to provide access to the lunar south-polar region and support transfers among Earth, lunar orbit, and the lunar surface. The PPE is intended to help maintain that orbit and correct the station’s trajectory, as well as provide power and communications for Gateway and visiting spacecraft.
Rank #4
- 【Value Package】Comes with one instruction, 1 x AA size battery holder (2 x 1.5V), 1 x solar panel, 5 x crocodile clip leads, 2 x motors, 2 x motor holders, 6 x propeller with 4 vanes, 2 x LED lights, 3 x bulbs, 1 x bulb holder, 1 x buzzer sounder, 2 x push button switches, 20 x electronic wires (5.9"), 4 x wire connectors, 1 x plastic board, 2 x iron shafts, 4 x shaft sleeves, 4 x wheels, 4 x corner braces, 8 x screws, which are enough circuit accessories to easily complete scientific projects
- 【Science Experiment Kit】This popular and interesting electronic science experiment STEM toy can well inspire and encourage kids to learn about science. This Montessori learning toy is good for curious kids, turning your own new ideas and inventions into reality. Also perfect for children's school science STEM engineering projects
- 【Wide Applications】The circuit motor kit can well catch kids’ attention and let them try to build, experiment, and explore basic electrical simple circuits. Circuit board for kids can also be used in school in science, STEM, technology, and design courses, easy to meet your project needs, and properly educating some circuit knowledge would be a good interaction time with your kids together
- 【Notice】It is recommended that the voltage be 3V. Please control the time. The use time should not be too long, and the time should be controlled within 3 minutes. After 5-10 minutes, the circuit will generate heat and a short circuit. Solar panels need to be available in full sunlight to function
- 【Warning】Suitable for 8+ years. Be careful of scald caused by the short circuits. Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc), or rechargeable batteries, the kids must use them under the supervision of adults
NASA says Gateway will take about 6.5 days to complete one orbit around the Moon and is designed for a minimum operating life of 15 years. Those are plans for the station, not guarantees of achieved performance or a fixed mission duration. The PPE’s combined power and propulsion role makes it central to keeping a long-lived outpost operating in its chosen orbit. See NASA’s Gateway capabilities for its stated role and configuration.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →How the PPE is supposed to get to the Moon
The PPE is planned to launch together with Gateway’s Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy, ahead of Artemis IV. After launch, NASA expects the combined elements to take approximately one year to reach lunar orbit. The PPE is not currently en route, and NASA’s public schedule information cited here does not establish a firm launch date. The NASA Gateway FAQ gives the launch pairing and approximate transit, and says Lunar I-Hab is expected no earlier than 2028 as part of Artemis IV, when astronauts would first enter Gateway.
Best Value
- [Ideally Output of 9.36KWH] The power of 9.36KWh per day under 4 hours full sunshine by the 2340W solar panel system, very suitable for home, shed, cabin, farm or other energy backup, and it will provide enough power for portable ac, air condition, TV, refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave and other AC 110V devices.
- [N-Type 18BB High-Efficiency Solar Cells]The newly upgraded 195W N-Type solar panel measures 58.86×26.18×1.18 inches and achieves a high conversion efficiency of 25%. Its 18 busbar design enhances conductivity, while double-sided generation delivers up to 100Wh of additional energy daily. With IP68 waterproof rating, tempered glass, and corrosion-resistant materials, it ensures a 30-year lifespan.
- [Off-Grid Solar Charger Inverter] Composed of 5000W 48V DC-110V AC pure sine wave inverter and 100A MPPT controller. Uninterruptible power, 4 charging modes, solar/mains hybrid. 5500W PV input, 5000W output. 99.9% efficiency, zero EMI. 48V DC-110V AC, all-weather reliability. Protect appliances, cut energy costs!
- [Parallel Supportable] Parallel support up to 6 units-30 kw Max. It can be single phase or separate phase parallel; The output voltage of one inverter is 120 V, and more than two inverters can output 120 V/208 V/240 V in parallel.
- [What You Get] The ready-to-use solar power system includes 12pcs 195W mono solar panel, 1pc 5000W 48V off grid solar charger inverter, Z-bracket as well as accessories needed.
Before launch, the work still includes completing and integrating the propulsion hardware, testing the roll-out arrays, and checking the full spacecraft system. NASA’s January update said the arrays were complete and undergoing testing at Redwire’s Goleta, California, facility. NASA identified Lanteris Space Systems in Palo Alto, California, as the current PPE assembly location; older NASA material uses the contractor name Maxar Technologies for the same element, rather than describing a second spacecraft.
What Gateway could teach NASA about Mars
High-power solar-electric propulsion is relevant to future deep-space missions because it can move spacecraft efficiently over long durations. Gateway offers a place to develop operating experience with a power-and-propulsion system in lunar space. That makes it a technology and operations bridge—not a Mars vehicle, and not proof that a crewed Mars mission is imminent.
The scale is also different. NASA has previously discussed approximate power needs of 400 kW to 2 MW for future Mars-transfer vehicles, compared with the PPE’s roughly 60-kW-class system. Those figures are planning context, not a specification for a particular approved Mars spacecraft. NASA’s propulsion discussion explains the connection to future missions.
What remains uncertain
A successful power-on test shows that an important subsystem has been activated; it does not establish that the fully integrated spacecraft is flight-ready. Like any complex mission, Gateway must complete integration and testing across power, propulsion, thermal control, communications, navigation, and attitude control. Array deployment and pointing, thruster performance, propellant management, and coordination between the PPE and HALO are among the kinds of engineering challenges that must be addressed. These are normal areas of spacecraft risk, not evidence by themselves that the mission is failing. The schedule and architecture can also change, so a planned launch sequence should not be mistaken for a firm date.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
