Italy has made a significant advance in space exploration with the launch of LuGRE (Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment), the first satellite receiver entirely designed and manufactured in Italy for lunar operations. On January 15, 2025, the rocket carrying LuGRE successfully lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking the beginning of a crucial mission for the future of space navigation.
The device was developed by the Italian company Qascom, with scientific support from the Politecnico di Torino. Under the supervision of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and in collaboration with NASA, the project aims to revolutionize the use of GPS and Galileo signals in deep space. LuGRE will test the reception and transmission of satellite signals at distances exceeding 200,000 kilometers, an unprecedented achievement.
During its initial hours of travel, the receiver established a global record by successfully capturing GNSS signals over 200,000 kilometers from Earth. This success underscores Italy's extraordinary technological capabilities and confirms the project's reliability.
Within a month, LuGRE is expected to enter lunar orbit and reach the surface of the Moon in early March. Its primary goal is to enhance navigation systems for future lunar and space missions, paving the way for permanent exploration of the Moon.
Adolfo Urso, Italy's Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating that Italy reaffirms its role as a leader in space research. Teodoro Valente, president of ASI, reiterated that LuGRE is a fundamental component for the future of lunar missions.
This project not only showcases Italy's technological excellence but also strengthens the country's role in international collaborations, solidifying its position among the leaders in space innovation.