Argonaut (lunar lander)

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Argonaut
Manufacturer European Space Agency
Designer European Space Agency
Country of originEuropean Union
Operator European Space Agency
ApplicationsLunar payload delivery and support
Specifications
Spacecraft type Lunar lander
Launch mass10,000 kg (22,000 lb) [1]
Payload capacityup to 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) [1]
Dimensions
Length6 m (20 ft)
Diameter4.5 m (15 ft)
Production
Statusproposal selection
Builtnone
Maiden launch2031 (planned)
Related spacecraft
Flown with Ariane 64

Argonaut or European Large Logistics Lander (EL3) is a class of lunar landers designed by the European Space Agency in partnership with Airbus to deliver payloads to the surface of the Moon. [2] The lander is being designed with a versatile set of uses in mind, including use as a power station, support for a rover, cargo delivery, and infrastructure delivery. It is envisioned to launch on an Ariane 64 launch vehicle. [3] [4] [5] The Argonaut lander will consist of the descent element, cargo platform and payload. Capable of delivering up to 2,100 kg (4,600 lb), the craft will reportedly be able to land with an accuracy of 50–100 meters. [6]

Contents

History

See also

Lunar lander programs by country

References

  1. 1 2 "Argonaut". www.esa.int. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
  2. "The Moon in our sights | Airbus". www.airbus.com. 29 November 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  3. "What is Argonaut?". www.esa.int. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  4. "Argonaut". www.esa.int. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  5. Airbus Defence and Space (14 October 2020). EL3 European Large Logistic Lander . Retrieved 25 May 2024 via YouTube.
  6. "EL3_ARGONAUT\\EL3_by_EAC_11mei21.stp". European Space Agency. Format: ISO 10303-21
  7. Foust, Jeff (21 October 2022). "ESA finalizes package for ministerial". SpaceNews. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  8. "Redwire Awarded Contract by European Space Agency to Develop Robotic Arm Prototype for Argonaut Lunar Lander to Support International Lunar Exploration". Redwire Space. 22 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  9. Parsonson, Andrew (25 June 2024). "ESA Signs Off on Argonaut Lunar Lander Engine Test". European Spaceflight. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  10. Parsonson, Andrew (17 July 2024). "ESA Targets 2031 for First Argonaut Lunar Lander Mission". European Spaceflight. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  11. "Argonaut: a first European lunar lander". www.esa.int. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
  12. Parsonson, Andrew (31 January 2025). "ESA Awards Thales Alenia Space €862M Argonaut Moon Lander Contract". European Spaceflight. Retrieved 19 February 2025.