ESA’s first lunar lander to be built by Thales Alenia Space-led consortium

ESA’s Argonaut represents Europe’s autonomous and versatile access to the Moon, supporting international exploration endeavours on the lunar surface. From the start of the next decade, the spacecraft will launch on regular missions to the Moon, and could be used to deliver infrastructures, scientific instruments, rovers, technology demonstrators as well as vital resources for astronauts on the lunar surface, such as food, water and air. Argonaut will be able to survive the harsh lunar night and days for five years, providing a key capability for sustainable lunar exploration.

Argonaut is a cornerstone of ESA’s lunar exploration strategy and is designed to work seamlessly with ESA’s Lunar Link on the Gateway and Moonlight communication and navigation systems. Argonaut is one of Europe’s contributions to international lunar programmes, particularly NASA’s Artemis programme and commercial lunar lander services, contributing to establishing a permanent and sustainable human presence on the Moon.