ESA and Thales Alenia Space have unveiled the full industrial consortium that will develop Argonaut’s Lunar Descent Element, marking a major step forward in Europe’s plan to achieve autonomous access to the Moon.
The announcement was made at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, where ESA introduced the Thales Alenia Space Italy-led consortium responsible for designing, developing and producing the descent module. The group includes Thales Alenia Space teams in France and the UK, OHB System AG and Nammo Space, working together to deliver the core landing element of Argonaut.
Argonaut is ESA’s flagship lunar lander programme, enabling Europe to transport scientific instruments, infrastructure and astronaut supplies to the surface of the Moon. It will support European-led lunar missions, contribute key technologies for future human exploration and play a role in NASA’s Artemis campaign. The lander will be capable of delivering about 1500 kilograms of cargo to the lunar surface using Europe’s Ariane 6 launcher.
ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration, Daniel Neuenschwander, said the consortium represents a crucial step in building Europe’s independent lunar capability. Thales Alenia Space’s Giampiero Di Paolo said the new team marks a significant milestone for the mission, noting that Argonaut will enable Europe’s long-term presence on the Moon. OHB System AG’s CEO Chiara Pedersoli said the mission aligns with the company’s long-standing commitment to European lunar exploration. Thales Alenia Space France and UK also highlighted the importance of their contributions to data handling and propulsion systems. Nammo Space Vice President Rob Selby said the company’s main engine development will be central not only for Argonaut but for future deep-space missions.
Within the consortium, Thales Alenia Space Italy will act as the prime contractor and system integrator. Thales Alenia Space France will provide the Data Handling Sub-System, while the UK division will develop the propulsion subsystem. OHB will deliver guidance, navigation and control, electrical power, and telecommunications systems. Nammo Space will design and supply the main engine.
Argonaut itself comprises three elements: the Lunar Descent Element, the Cargo Platform Element and the payload. Standing six metres tall and weighing nearly 10 tonnes at launch, the lander is built to survive the harsh lunar night, including two weeks of darkness and temperatures that fall to –150°C. It is designed to touch down within 250 metres of its target on its first mission.
The inaugural Argonaut mission is planned for 2030 aboard an Ariane 64 rocket, marking a major milestone in Europe’s growing role in international lunar exploration.
Image: Argonaut lunar lander model at the LUNA facilities: Credits: ESA/DLR – R. Barbosa
