European Space Agency picks Thales Alenia Space to build lunar lander

[Rick]

European Space Agency picks Thales Alenia Space to build lunar lander

The European Space Agency (ESA) has inked a deal worth €862 million with Thales Alenia Space to develop a lunar lander.

The lander, called Argonaut, is designed to carry cargo to the lunar surface and will consist of three parts: the Lunar Descent Element (LDE), which will be responsible for the journey to the Moon and landing on the lunar surface, a cargo platform which will provide an interface between payload and lander, and finally the payload itself.

As well as being able to heft science instruments and resources for astronauts to the Moon, Argonaut is expected to survive the lunar environment and endure for five years after landing. Delivery of the first lander is expected in 2030, ahead of a launch on an Ariane 6 rocket in 2031.

More: https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/31/european_space_agency_taps_thales/

[Dave A]

Fantastic that companies also based in the UK are winning contracts for ESA and especially as it all helps in the efforts to have a permanent base on the Moon