Arizona Tribune - Building the Moon's Future: Helio Positioned at the Center of America's Lunar Strategy for the Dawn of the Artemis Era

On April 3, the White House released its preliminary Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) budget proposal outlining a streamlined NASA topline while prioritizing human lunar exploration, surface systems, and long-term infrastructure on the Moon. Notably, funding remains concentrated on the Artemis program and expands across key components including commercial lunar landers, robotic precursor missions, habitats, and transportation systems-areas where Helio is actively contributing and developing mission-critical technologies.

This strategic emphasis reflects a broader geopolitical and economic reality: a renewed global race to establish a sustained presence at the Moon's South Pole, where water ice resources are expected to enable life support systems and fuel production. As the United States advances its Artemis-led strategy in parallel with international competitors, investment is increasingly focused on scalable infrastructure and commercial partnerships capable of supporting long-duration lunar operations.

Under the proposal, NASA's budget would total approximately $18.8 billion, representing a reduction from prior levels. However, exploration programs, particularly those tied to Artemis, would see expanded support, with approximately $8.5 billion allocated to advance lunar missions. Additional funding is expected to accelerate the cadence of commercial robotic landers and enable the development of critical surface systems. The Administration has also proposed redirecting certain previously allocated funds toward lunar base development, further concentrating resources on near-term mission execution.

Helio's portfolio is directly aligned with these priorities across three primary mission categories: Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), Artemis program contributions, and privately funded lunar missions. The Company has developed and deployed flight-qualified hardware and payloads supporting multiple CLPS missions, is contributing to Artemis missions including Artemis IV, and continues to build systems for commercial lunar customers. These capabilities position Helio at the center of America's lunar strategy, enabling scalable, long-duration lunar operations and infrastructure critical to sustained activity on and around the Moon-priorities consistently emphasized across multiple budget cycles and policy initiatives.

"While the current federal budget process is still in its early stages, the Administration's proposal reinforces a trend we have seen for several years: lunar exploration and infrastructure remain foundational to U.S. space strategy," said Gregory Delory, CTO, Helio Corporation. "Helio's work is purpose-built for that environment. Our lunar initiatives are designed to be durable across political cycles and resilient under a range of budget scenarios. Our technologies and mission focus are aligned with the programs receiving the highest levels of investment, and we are well positioned to scale alongside the growing demand for lunar capabilities."

Importantly, the proposed FY2027 budget remains subject to Congressional review, amendment, and approval. Similar reductions proposed in prior years were ultimately rejected by Congress, with final appropriations maintaining or increasing NASA funding levels. Regardless of final appropriations outcomes, Helio continues to see strong momentum behind lunar development efforts driven by bipartisan support, national strategic priorities, and the expanding role of commercial partners.

Helio will continue to advance its partnerships and technologies supporting lunar missions as the United States moves toward establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon and building the infrastructure necessary for the next phase of space development.

For More Information:

Ed Cabrera
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Helio Corporation
(956) 225-9639
[email protected]

About Helio Corporation

Helio is pioneering a new class of energy infrastructure-space-based power systems aka "Power plants in space" that captures solar energy beyond Earth's atmosphere and beams it safely and efficiently to the surface. Our vision is to establish orbital energy platforms as a foundational layer of the global power grid, delivering uninterrupted, carbon-free electricity at scale and reshaping how nations power cities, industries, and critical systems. Founded in 2018 as the 'problem solvers to the space industry,' Helio designs and delivers world-class space mechanisms, advanced antenna systems, and space design solutions; supporting NASA, private companies, universities, and global space agencies across missions ranging from small-scale programs to flagship space initiatives. We are proud to be a trusted partner to over a dozen space agencies, organizations, and companies across the globe. Our products can be found operating from the Sun to Jupiter. From NASA and European Space Agency to emerging private aerospace firms and academic institutions, we collaborate with some of the most innovative and forward-thinking players in the space industry.

For more information on the new strategic direction, financing initiatives and management additions, please visit www.helio.space to be added to our email list.

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SOURCE: Helio Corporation

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R.Garcia--AT