The stated end goal of the Moonlight project is to make it easier for institution and companies to build infrastructure (i.e. mining, utilities, power, etc.) on the Moon, culminating in a sustained long-term human presence.[4] LCNS is intended for enhancing efficiency and reducing costs of lunar operations.[3]ESA intends to work in partnership with NASA and JAXA in creating lasting telecommunications and navigation links with the moon,[5] involving the adoption of the LunaNet specifications.[6][3]
Spacecraft
The communications relay satellite Lunar Pathfinder, set for launch in 2026,[7][8] will serve as a precursor to the full LCNS constellation. The complete constellation will consist of five lunar satellites: one focused on communications ("COMSAT") and four on navigation ("NAVSAT-1" to "NAVSAT-4").[3][9] The orbits of the LCNS satellites will be designed to prioritise coverage of the lunar south pole area.[3] The COMSAT satellite will have an orbital period of 12 hours and a semi-major axis of about 6,000 km. The NAVSAT satellites will have an orbital period of 24 hours and a semi-major axis of about 10,000 km. All LCNS satellites will be placed on Elliptical Lunar Frozen Orbits (ELFOs) in order to keep a constant eccentricity, inclination, and argument of pericenter.[9]
In February 2023, ESA expressed interest in creating international lunar timekeeping standards and stressed their importance for LCNS and similar projects.[15]
In June 2023, The first satnav receiver designed to operate in lunar orbit has been delivered to SSTL in the UK for integration aboard the Lunar Pathfinder spacecraft.[16]
In October 2023, ESA launched "a competition for visionary business ideas" for how to use LCNS, and expects to offer contracts to develop such ideas.[4]
In November 2024, ESA officially commenced the LCNS programme at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan.[3] At this event, ESA signed a contract worth 123 million euro with Telespazio to manage the development of LCNS.[17]
In March 2025, Telespazio has awarded a contract to Thales Alenia Space to build the four satellites and to develop elements of the system’s ground segment.[18] ESA and JAXA have signed a statement of intent detailing future cooperation within the LunaNet framework.[19] ESA has also selected Viasat to lead the lunar orbiting satellite communications portion of the Moonlight Initiative, alongside Telespazio.[20] Viasat will design and develop the end-end service, covering the satellites, ground segments, and user terminals.[21]
In July 2025, two UK companies—SSTL and MDA Space UK—joined the Moonlight initiative to work with Viasat.[22]
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