The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded a contract worth nearly $900 million to Thales Alenia Space for the development of 'Argonaut,' a lunar lander designed for long-term operations on the lunar surface.
Argonaut, scheduled for launch in 2031, will be capable of delivering up to 4,400 pounds (2,000 kilograms) of cargo, including supplies for astronauts, rovers, scientific instruments, and infrastructure for lunar bases. The lander is expected to survive for five years on the moon, enduring the extreme temperature variations between lunar day and night.
The Argonaut mission, known as ArgoNET, will initially focus on deploying navigation and communication payloads, energy generation systems, and other essential infrastructure for European exploration in the lunar south pole region. The lander's long lifespan will contribute to the establishment of a sustainable human presence on the moon.
ESA Director for Human and Robotic Exploration Daniel Neuenschwander emphasized the significance of the contract, stating that 'Argonaut will enable Europe to contribute meaningfully to international partnerships, while paving the way for a sustainable human presence on the Moon.' He added that this marks a crucial step towards European autonomy in space exploration.