What is the Moonlight programme?

October 19, 2024

The European Space Agency (ESA) has introduced a new programme called the Moonlight Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS). It was announced at the International Astronautical Congress and is focused on building important infrastructure for future missions to the Moon over the next 20 years.

Objectives of the Moonlight Programme

The Moonlight programme aims to create a network of around five satellites that will orbit the Moon. These satellites will help spacecraft land accurately, enable fast communication, and assist with movement on the Moon’s surface. The system will support more than 400 planned Moon missions by allowing smooth communication and data transfer between Earth and the Moon.

Key Features

Satellite Constellation: The group of satellites will be able to transmit data over a very long distance—more than 400,000 kilometres between the Earth and the Moon.

Initial Launch: The first satellite, called Lunar Pathfinder, will launch in 2026, and basic services will start by late 2028. The full system will be operational by 2030.

Focus Area: Special attention will be given to the Moon’s South Pole. This region is important because of its sunlight conditions and the possibility of finding water ice there.

Collaboration in Space Exploration

The Moonlight programme will work alongside NASA’s Artemis programme, which is planning to send humans back to the Moon. ESA is also involved in NASA’s Artemis Gateway project and aims to launch its own spacecraft, Argonaut, by 2031.

Technological Development

The Moonlight programme will collaborate with space agencies like NASA and Japan’s JAXA as part of the LunaNet framework. This partnership will help standardise systems for communication and navigation on the Moon. The experience gained from this project could be useful for future missions to Mars, known as MARCONI.

Global Participation

Multiple ESA teams and industrial partners will be involved in the Moonlight programme. This global cooperation will make communication and navigation on the Moon more efficient, helping astronauts and robotic missions focus on their goals.

The Moonlight programme is a key step toward supporting human and robotic exploration on the Moon, while also preparing for future missions to planets like Mars.

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