Argonaut (lunar lander)

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Argonaut
Model of Argonaut by ESA and Thales Alenia Space
ManufacturerThales Alenia Space, Redwire
OperatorEuropean Space Agency
ApplicationsLunar payload delivery and support
Specifications
Spacecraft typeUncrewed lunar lander
Launch mass10,000 kg (22,000 lb)[1]
Payload capacityup to 1,500 kg (3,300 lb)[1]
Dimensions
Length6 m (20 ft)
Diameter4.5 m (15 ft)
Production
Statusproposal selection
Builtnone
Maiden launch2031 (planned)
Related spacecraft
Launch vehicleAriane 64
Model of Argonaut at Paris Air Show in 2025

Argonaut[2] or European Large Logistics Lander (EL3) is a class of lunar landers designed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in partnership with Thales Alenia Space to deliver payloads to the surface of the Moon.[3] The lander is being designed with a versatile set of uses in mind, including use as a power station, support for a rover, cargo delivery, and infrastructure delivery. It is envisioned to launch on an Ariane 64 launch vehicle.[4][5][6] The Argonaut lander will consist of the descent element, cargo platform, and payload. Capable of delivering up to 1,500 kg (3,300 lb),[7] the craft will reportedly be able to land with an accuracy of 50–100 meters[8] and to last up to five years on the Moon.[7]

Missions

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ArgoNET

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ArgoNET (Argo Navigation, Energy, and Telecommunications) will be the first operational flight of the programme, planned for launch in 2031. It will deliver navigation, energy, and telecommunications infrastructure and will serve as a selenodetic reference station for the Moonlight satellite constellation.[9][7] ArgoNET will include the NovaMoon system, designed to enhance the accuracy of the Moonlight initiative's satellite navigation services to reach sub-meter levels across the entire Lunar south pole.[10]

Astrophysical Lunar Observatory

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If approved, the Astrophysical Lunar Observatory (ALO) will be a low-frequency radio interferometer on the far side of the Moon consisting of several hundred antennas. The observatory is expected to be deployed by Argonaut around 2035.[11][12][13]

Project history

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  • In 2022, ESA formally sought funding for the lander in their ministerial meeting.[14]
  • In 2023, Neil Murray became the Engineering Team Leader for Argonaut.[7]
  • In 2024, Redwire Space was awarded a contract by ESA to develop a robotic arm for use on the lander.[15]
  • Engine testing began in 2024.[16]
  • In 2024, ESA committed to an Argonaut mission in 2031.[17]
  • On 30 January 2025, ESA has awarded a contract to Thales Alenia Space to build the descent element of the lander.[18][19]
  • In March 2025, ESA and JAXA have signed a statement of intent detailing possible future cooperation between the Argonaut lunar lander and the Japanese pressurised rover under development for the Artemis program, as well as possible Japanese scientific investigations on Argonaut.[20]

See also

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Lunar lander programs by country

References

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  1. ^ a b "Argonaut". www.esa.int. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
  2. ^ "Argonaut: a lunar ship – ESA – Exploration". Retrieved 27 February 2025.
  3. ^ "The Moon in our sights | Airbus". www.airbus.com. 29 November 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  4. ^ "What is Argonaut?". www.esa.int. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Argonaut". www.esa.int. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  6. ^ Airbus Defence and Space (14 October 2020). EL3 European Large Logistic Lander. Retrieved 25 May 2024 – via YouTube.
  7. ^ a b c d Shaw, Niamh. "Europe's moonshot: Argonaut and the Irish engineer leading the way". The Irish Times. Retrieved 27 September 2025.
  8. ^ "ESA taps Thales Alenia Space for lunar lander". Archived from the original on 27 April 2025. Retrieved 27 September 2025.
  9. ^ "Argonaut: Europe's lunar lander programme". www.esa.int. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
  10. ^ GNSS, Inside (11 April 2025). "NovaMoon: A New Paradigm in Lunar Exploration". Inside GNSS - Global Navigation Satellite Systems Engineering, Policy, and Design. Retrieved 27 September 2025.
  11. ^ Parsonson, Andrew (18 October 2024). "ESA Publishes Call for Telescope on the Far Side of the Moon". European Spaceflight. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  12. ^ "Astronomical Lunar Observatory". SciSpacE. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  13. ^ "We're going to put a radio telescope on the back side of the Moon". University of Groningen. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  14. ^ Foust, Jeff (21 October 2022). "ESA finalizes package for ministerial". SpaceNews. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  15. ^ "Redwire Awarded Contract by European Space Agency to Develop Robotic Arm Prototype for Argonaut Lunar Lander to Support International Lunar Exploration". Redwire Space. 22 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  16. ^ Parsonson, Andrew (25 June 2024). "ESA Signs Off on Argonaut Lunar Lander Engine Test". European Spaceflight. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  17. ^ Parsonson, Andrew (17 July 2024). "ESA Targets 2031 for First Argonaut Lunar Lander Mission". European Spaceflight. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  18. ^ "Argonaut: a first European lunar lander". www.esa.int. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
  19. ^ Parsonson, Andrew (31 January 2025). "ESA Awards Thales Alenia Space €862M Argonaut Moon Lander Contract". European Spaceflight. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
  20. ^ "ESA and JAXA strengthen ties on Moon and Mars exploration". www.esa.int. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
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