A habitation module for astronauts that will be used as part of the US-led lunar exploration program Artemis has been shown to media.

The Artemis program aims to make the first manned lunar mission in over half a century. Japan is taking part in the project. Under the plan, the Gateway space station will be built for astronauts to stay in while orbiting the moon.

The module called the Habitation and Logistics Outpost, or HALO, was unveiled to the media at a development facility in Italy on Thursday.

The module, equipped with communication systems and life support equipment, is scheduled to be launched as early as the end of next year.

HALO, measuring about 3 meters in diameter, will serve as the first outpost for astronauts who will build the space station.

Officials say workers have nearly completed HALO's outer aluminum walls. They say the module will be transported to the US for the launch by the end of the year after finishing assembly and testing of the inner part.

A facility to explain the interior of the Gateway space station was also shown to media.

Franco Fenoglio of Thales Alenia Space, a space manufacturer in charge of building the facility, noted that Japanese technologies have been used for the module's life support system.

He expressed hope that preparations to bring humans back to the moon will begin in a few years and Japan will contribute to the Artemis program.