Thales Alenia Space signs multiple contracts to shape the consortium that will carry out the Lunar Descent Element for ESA’s Argonaut.

The Argonaut lander will fly to the Moon and land on its surface, ensuring the European autonomous access to the Moon.

Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed multiple contracts shaping the core industrial team that will build the European Space Agency (ESA) Argonaut Lunar Descent Element. ESA’s Argonaut Mission, planned for launch from the 2030s, will deliver cargo, infrastructure, and scientific instruments to the Moon’s surface.

These contracts follow the one already signed between ESA and Thales Alenia Space in January 2025. It referred to the design, development, and delivery of the Lunar Descent Element (LDE), including responsibility for mission design and integration.

As the prime contractor and system integrator for the LDE, Thales Alenia Space in Italy leads the industrial consortium responsible for the system, the entry, descent, and landing aspects, as well as the general and specific architectures of the thermomechanical, avionics, and software chains.

The core industrial team is made up of Thales Alenia Space in Italy, Thales Alenia Space in France, Thales Alenia Space in the UK, as well as OHB System AG and Nammo, both part of the consortium as strategic subcontractors for propulsion.