Thales Alenia Space has officially formed and solidified the core industrial consortium that will develop the Lunar Descent Element (LDE) for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Argonaut mission. This finalizes the team responsible for building Europe’s first autonomous lunar lander, designed to deliver cargo and infrastructure to the Moon starting in the 2030s.
As the prime contractor and system integrator, Thales Alenia Space in Italy will lead the consortium. The company will manage the end-to-end system architecture, final assembly, integration, testing, and mission design for the lander. The broader team brings together specialized expertise from across Europe.
The Consortium’s Key Roles:
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Thales Alenia Space in France will develop the critical Data Handling Sub-System, including the onboard computers and middleware software.
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Thales Alenia Space in the United Kingdom takes charge of the propulsion subsystem, procuring key components like propellant tanks and thrusters.
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OHB System AG of Germany is responsible for guidance, navigation and control (GNC), electrical power systems, and telecommunications.
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Nammo, the Nordic propulsion specialist, will design and build the lander’s main engine, a cornerstone asset for the entire mission.
This consortium formation follows the initial contract awarded by ESA to Thales Alenia Space in January 2025 for the LDE’s design, development, and delivery.
Company leadership hailed the milestone. Giampiero Di Paolo, Deputy CEO of Thales Alenia Space, stated, “The creation of this consortium represents a significant step in this challenging Argonaut mission. Alongside our partners, we are playing a pioneering role to enable European autonomous access to the Moon.” President and CEO Hervé Derrey connected the project to the company’s legacy, noting its major contributions to the International Space Station and the Artemis program, reinforcing its position at the forefront of space exploration and transportation.
The Argonaut mission marks a strategic leap for Europe, aiming to establish independent, reliable access to the lunar surface for scientific and preparatory work, supporting a sustained human presence on the Moon.
