The Argonaut mission, slated for launch sometime in the 2030s, will deliver cargo, infrastructure and scientific instruments to the lunar surface, forming a key part of Europe’s long-term exploration strategy.
The latest deals follow a January 2025 contract between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Thales Alenia Space covering the design, development and delivery of the Lunar Descent Element (LDE), including overall mission design and systems integration.
As prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space’s Italian arm will lead the consortium responsible for the descent system, its guidance and landing capability, and the thermomechanical, avionics and software architecture needed for the journey to the moon.
The industrial team includes Thales Alenia Space operations in Italy, France and the United Kingdom, alongside OHB System AG and propulsion specialist Nammo.
“The creation of this consortium represents a major milestone for the Argonaut mission,” said Giampiero Di Paolo, deputy CEO and senior vice president for observation, exploration and navigation at Thales Alenia Space. “Working with ESA and our partners, Thales Alenia Space, is playing a pioneering role in securing Europe’s autonomous access to the moon.”
Who’s doing what:
- Thales Alenia Space (Italy): Prime contractor and end-to-end integrator – responsible for system architecture, final verification and validation, assembly, integration and testing.
- Thales Alenia Space (France): Developing and validating the data handling subsystem, including middleware software and onboard computer procurement.
- Thales Alenia Space (UK): Leading development of the propulsion subsystem and sourcing key components such as propellant tanks and thrusters.
- OHB System AG: Handling guidance, navigation and control, electrical power systems, telecommunications and procurement of major hardware, including solar arrays, batteries, LiDAR and transponders.
- Nammo: Designing and supplying the main engine – critical not only for propulsion but for the overall LDE mission architecture.
Argonaut consists of three primary components: the Lunar Descent Element, a cargo platform acting as the interface with payloads, and the scientific or infrastructure elements destined for the moon.
Thales Alenia Space president and CEO Hervé Derrey said the company’s role in the International Space Station (ISS), NASA’s Artemis program and the Orion spacecraft’s European Service Module had positioned it as a leader in human and robotic spaceflight.
“Argonaut reinforces our position at the forefront of exploration and space transportation,” he said.
The lander’s cargo platform has been designed for maximum flexibility, able to carry everything from astronaut supplies and rovers to technology demonstrators, lunar resource processing systems, telescopes and even power stations.
Beyond the moon, the program is expected to build European capability across several critical technologies for future space ecosystems, including cargo transport and return from low-Earth and lunar orbits, and eventual crew transport systems.
Thales Alenia Space said Argonaut will help lay the groundwork for a post-ISS era, supporting emerging economic opportunities in research, science and in-space infrastructure as Europe positions itself for a long-term presence beyond Earth.