Argonaut lunar lander household grows

Argonaut represents Europe’s autonomous, versatile and dependable entry to the Moon. Starting with the primary mission in 2030, Argonaut landers will likely be launched on Ariane 6 rockets, every delivering as much as 1.5 tonnes of exploration-enabling cargo to the Moon’s floor, from scientific devices and rovers to important sources for astronauts reminiscent of meals, water and air.  

Earlier this 12 months, ESA chosen Thales Alenia Space Italy to guide the event of the primary Argonaut lander, or Lunar Descent Element. Today’s signing ceremony happened in a symbolic location: the LUNA analogue facility at EAC, residence to a full-scale Argonaut mannequin – a tangible imaginative and prescient of Europe’s future presence on the Moon. 

Meet the staff

The industrial staff for the Argonaut Lunar Descent Element brings collectively experience from throughout Europe: 

• Thales Alenia Space, Italy: prime contractor and system integrator, main the consortium constructing the lander and in control of assembling and testing the construction. 

• Thales Alenia Space, France: creating and validating the data-handling subsystem and on-board computer systems. 

• OHB System AG, Germany: offering steering, navigation and management programs in addition to telecommunications, electrical energy programs and key {hardware} reminiscent of photo voltaic arrays and batteries. 

• Thales Alenia Space, United Kingdom: chargeable for the propulsion subsystem growth and procuring main parts reminiscent of propellant tanks. 

• Nammo, United Kingdom: designing and supplying the lunar lander’s principal engine. 

Forward to the Moon

Argonaut will play a central position in future robotic and crewed missions, supporting worldwide efforts reminiscent of NASA’s Artemis programme to ascertain a sustainable human presence on the Moon. By offering Europe with impartial entry to our pure satellite tv for pc, Argonaut reinforces Europe’s position as a trusted companion in world area exploration. 

With as we speak’s agreements finalising the economic staff for the primary lunar lander, Europe takes a decisive step towards the Moon. The rising Argonaut household brings collectively experience from throughout the continent, reflecting not solely Europe’s ambition but in addition the energy of collaboration throughout its area business. Argonaut will ship important cargo to the lunar floor, and with it new alternatives: enabling science, supporting astronauts, and paving the way in which for Europe’s enduring presence on the Moon.