The European Space Agency (ESA) has entered into a contract with Italian firm Thales Alenia Space to spearhead a European consortium focused on developing the Argonaut lunar lander, marking ESA's inaugural lunar landing module.
The Argonaut represents Europe's autonomous and versatile access to the Moon, supporting international efforts to explore the lunar surface. Scheduled for regular missions starting in the early 2030s, the spacecraft will be capable of transporting infrastructure, scientific instruments, exploration rovers, technology demonstrators, and essential resources for astronauts, including food, water, and air.
Designed to endure the harsh conditions of lunar nights and days, Argonaut will operate for up to five years, providing critical capabilities for sustainable lunar exploration.