The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space in Italy to develop the Argonaut, Europe’s first lunar lander. This spacecraft will serve as the autonomous and versatile access point for lunar exploration, supporting international efforts on the Moon’s surface.
Scheduled to launch every decade starting from 2030, Argonaut will deliver essential resources, scientific instruments, and technology demonstrators to astronauts on the lunar surface. The spacecraft is designed to survive harsh lunar conditions for five years, enabling sustainable lunar exploration.
Argonaut is a key component of ESA’s lunar exploration strategy, working seamlessly with the Lunar Link system. The lander will contribute to establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon as part of international programs such as NASA’s Artemis initiative and commercial lunar lander services.
The Argonaut project consists of three main components: the lunar descent module, payload, and cargo platform. Thales Alenia Space in Italy leads the European consortium, with contributions from the UK, France, and OHB. The first operational mission, ArgoNET, is expected to launch in 2031.
ESA Director Daniel Neuenschwander hailed the contract as a “pivotal moment” for Europe’s lunar ambitions, emphasizing Argonaut’s significance in advancing deep space exploration capabilities.
Source: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Argonaut_a_first_European_lunar_lander