The European Space Agency (ESA) has initiated the development of its first lunar lander, the Argonaut Lunar Descent Element, in a bid to participate in the modern lunar exploration race.
In a contract signed with Thales Alenia Space in Italy, ESA aims to create a spacecraft capable of autonomous operations, delivering infrastructure, scientific instruments, rovers, technology demonstrators, and essential resources for astronauts on the Moon.
According to ESA, Argonaut will endure the extreme conditions of the lunar night and day for five years, facilitating sustainable lunar exploration.
The lander will consist of three main modules: the lunar descent module for navigating to the Moon and landing, the payload module, and a cargo platform that serves as the interface between the lander and its payload.
Set for completion by 2030, Argonaut is scheduled for its first operational mission launch in 2031.
Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director for Human and Robotic Exploration, emphasized that this pioneering European lunar lander signifies ESA's commitment to enhancing industrial capabilities in deep space exploration and fostering international partnerships, ultimately supporting a sustainable human presence on the Moon.