thales Alenia space Secures €862 Million ESA Contract too Develop Argonaut Lunar Lander
In a landmark move for European space exploration, thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a €862 million contract wiht the Exploration/HumanandRoboticExploration/Exploration/Artemis”>Artemis programme.
A Versatile Lander for Future Lunar Missions
Scheduled for its first launch in 2030, the Argonaut lander is designed to transport cargo,scientific instruments,and navigation and telecommunications equipment to the Moon.Its inaugural mission will focus on exploring the Hervé Derrey,President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space.
A European Consortium driving Innovation
Leading the project as the prime contractor, France and the UK will handle data management and propulsion systems, respectively. OHB system AG, a key consortium member, will manage guidance, navigation, control (GNC), electrical power systems (EPS), and telecommunications (TT&C).
“We are extremely honored that ESA renews its confidence by entrusting Thales Alenia Space this important contract, which will see europe acquiring a lunar lander that will allow it to access the lunar surface independently,” said Giampiero di Paolo, Vice President of Observation, Exploration, and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space.
A Milestone for Europe’s Space Ambitions
The Argonaut project is a cornerstone of Europe’s broader vision for space exploration, paving the way for future crewed missions to the Moon and beyond, with mars as the ultimate destination.This development strengthens Europe’s position in space exploration and the establishment of orbital infrastructure.
With this contract, thales Alenia Space reaffirms its leadership in space transport and exploration systems, marking a decisive step toward a sustainable European presence on the Moon.
| Key Details | Information |
|————————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Contract Value | €862 million |
| Prime Contractor | Thales Alenia Space |
| First Launch | 2030 |
| Mission Focus | Lunar cargo delivery and exploration |
| Key Components | Lunar Descent Element (LDE), cargo platform, specialized equipment |
| Consortium Members | Thales Alenia Space (Italy, France, UK), OHB System AG |
This groundbreaking project underscores Europe’s commitment to advancing space exploration, ensuring its role as a key player in the next era of lunar and interplanetary missions.