Abstract Future space exploration activities very likely will incorporate a large number of human missions to various locations on the Moon surface and other destinations near the Earth–Moon system. A wide range of space infrastructure elements will be required in low Earth orbit and waypoints to these destinations. It is reasonable to start assembly and mission logistics from today's frequently used near-Earth orbits, such as the orbit of the International Space Station (ISS). This allows for using launch systems and other infrastructure elements currently available in order to reduce costs. Besides new transfer, ascent and re-entry vehicles as well as planetary surface installations, space stations beyond low Earth orbit, namely in the Earth–Moon system, can be crucial elements for forthcoming exploration missions. The lunar Lagrange points have unique advantages in this context and offer promising options for the humans' next steps into space. As shown in this paper, a lunar space station (LSS) is not too farfetched; and it is definitely not science fiction but rather the next logical step for solar system exploration. Like a stepping-stone, it could enable the immediate start of sustained development of outer space with technologies available today. The proposed lunar exploration architecture targets at an LSS at the lunar Lagrange point 1 to be used as a gateway for mid-term lunar surface exploration missions or servicing missions to other destinations. For study purposes the challenging constraint of only using existing and tailored infrastructure elements and technology of European/Russian heritage is assumed. The results manifest the feasibility of such a space station between 2015 and 2020. Presented are station configuration and modules, transfer vehicles for assembly, crew and cargo transport, an enhanced life support system and a logistics concept. The concept outlines enhancements of the current transportation and station infrastructure and shows that the ISS as a transportation node can beneficially support lunar scenarios.