The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space in Italy to lead a European consortium in constructing the Argonaut Lunar Descent Element, ESA's inaugural lunar lander.
Argonaut signifies Europe's autonomous access to the Moon, facilitating international exploration efforts on the lunar surface. Starting in the next decade, the spacecraft will embark on regular missions to the Moon, potentially delivering infrastructures, scientific instruments, rovers, technology demonstrators, and essential resources for astronauts, including food, water, and air. The lander is designed to endure the extreme conditions of the lunar night and day for five years, crucial for sustainable lunar exploration.
As a key component of ESA's lunar exploration strategy, Argonaut will integrate with ESA's Lunar Link on the Gateway and Moonlight communication and navigation systems. It represents a significant contribution to global lunar initiatives, notably NASA's Artemis program and commercial lunar lander services, aimed at establishing a lasting human presence on the Moon.
Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director for Human and Robotic Exploration, remarked, "The Argonaut contract signature is a pivotal moment for Europe's lunar exploration ambitions. This first-of-its-kind European lunar lander demonstrates ESA's commitment to enhancing our industrial capabilities in deep space exploration. Argonaut will enable Europe to contribute meaningfully to international partnerships while paving the way for a sustainable human presence on the Moon. Europe is on its journey to the Moon and has laid the groundwork for autonomy in exploration."
The development team for the Lunar Descent Element includes Thales Alenia Space in Italy as the prime contractor, alongside its branches in the UK and France, and OHB. The Argonaut Lunar Descent Element is scheduled for delivery in 2030, with its first operational mission, ArgoNET, anticipated to launch in 2031. The consortium responsible for the initial Lunar Descent Element for ArgoNET will be chosen by the end of 2026, following a successful definition phase.