Argonaut: the first European vehicle to deliver cargo to the Moon

The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a contract with the Italian company Thales Alenia Space to build the Argonaut spacecraft. It will be used to deliver cargo to the Moon.

Argonaut on the Moon (concept). Source: ESA – P. Carril

Argonaut is expected to be the cornerstone of ESA’s lunar exploration strategy and its contribution to the Artemis program. It will be used to deliver supplies to the Moon, provide communications and navigation, and generate power, supporting European efforts to develop the moon’s South Pole.

Lander will consist of three main components: a lunar descent module to fly to the Moon and land at the desired location, a payload, and a cargo platform that will serve as a link between them. It will be able to support the placement of many different types of cargo, as well as platforms with scientific instruments.

Argonaut vehicle design. Source: ESA

Argonaut will be able to deliver up to 2 tons of cargo to the Moon. The vehicle is designed to survive the harsh conditions of lunar night and day for five years.

The Argonaut will be built by a European consortium led by Thales Alenia Space. The company was awarded a contract worth almost 900 million dollars by ESA.  also include the French and British divisions of Thales Alenia Space, and Germany’s OHB. The first Argonaut is scheduled to be delivered to ESA in 2030. It will be used in the ArgoNET mission, which is currently planned for 2031.

Earlier we reported on ESA’s plans to send a mission to the asteroid Apophis.

According to ESA

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