Thales Alenia Space Secures Major ESA Contract to Develop Lunar Descent Element for European Autonomous Access to the Moon

Thales Alenia Space Secures Major ESA Contract to Develop Lunar Descent Element for European Autonomous Access to the Moon

(IN BRIEF) Thales Alenia Space has secured an €862 million contract with the European Space Agency to develop the Lunar Descent Element for the Argonaut mission, aimed at enabling European autonomous access to the Moon. Planned for the 2030s, Argonaut will deliver cargo and scientific equipment to the lunar surface, enhancing Europe’s space exploration capabilities. Thales will lead the development of the LDE, with a focus on versatile designs to support various mission types. This contract strengthens the company’s position as a leader in space transportation and exploration technologies, positioning it for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

(PRESS RELEASE) CANNES, 30-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales Alenia Space takes a crucial step toward enabling European autonomous access to the Moon with the signing of a €862 million contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for the development of the Lunar Descent Element (LDE) for ESA’s Argonaut mission. Set to launch in the 2030s, Argonaut will transport cargo, infrastructure, and scientific instruments to the lunar surface, marking a significant advancement in Europe’s space exploration capabilities.

As a key player in the Artemis program, the Argonaut lunar lander is engineered for versatility, designed to carry a range of payloads including cargo for astronauts, rovers, scientific equipment, and more. This adaptable system will pave the way for future missions to the Moon and beyond, allowing European space agencies to explore areas like the Moon’s southern region with increased autonomy.

Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), will be responsible for designing and integrating the LDE, drawing on its vast legacy in space exploration and its advanced technological expertise. The company’s role as the prime contractor for the LDE places it at the forefront of innovations in space transport and exploration.

The Argonaut spacecraft will consist of three main elements: the Lunar Descent Element for landing on the Moon, the cargo platform that acts as an interface for the payload, and the various components that will be deployed for specific mission objectives. The system’s flexibility is a cornerstone of its design, enabling it to cater to multiple mission profiles—whether delivering materials, conducting scientific research, or testing new technologies.

This development is part of Thales Alenia Space’s broader strategy to play a pivotal role in the next era of space exploration. With the growing need for transport solutions in low Earth orbit and lunar missions, the company is laying the groundwork for humanity’s continued presence in space, ultimately preparing for future crewed missions to destinations like Mars.

As the prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space will lead the consortium responsible for the LDE’s design, system integration, and key aspects of entry, descent, and landing. Teams from Thales Alenia Space in France, the UK, and Italy will focus on various elements such as data systems, propulsion, thermomechanical architecture, and avionics, while OHB System AG will contribute to guidance, navigation, control, and telecommunications.

Commenting on the contract, Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, said, “The Argonaut lunar lander represents a monumental leap for our company. This versatile spacecraft will enable the delivery of critical resources to the Moon, supporting long-term manned missions and bolstering European autonomy in lunar exploration. This contract from ESA underscores our continued leadership in space exploration and transportation technologies.”

Giampiero Di Paolo, Deputy CEO of Thales Alenia Space, added, “We are honored that ESA has placed its trust in us to develop this groundbreaking lunar lander. With our decades of expertise in space systems and exploration vehicles, we are well-positioned to help Europe achieve its ambitious goals for the Moon and beyond. This contract highlights Thales Alenia Space’s strategic commitment to advancing Europe’s space capabilities.”

About Thales Alenia Space

Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately €2.2 billion in 2023 and has around 8,600 employees in 8 countries, with 16 sites in Europe.

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SOURCE: Thales