​ESA Launches Moonlight Programme

On 15th October 2024, the European Space Agency (ESA) officially launched its Moonlight Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS) programme at the International Astronautical Congress, aiming to develop crucial infrastructure for upcoming lunar missions.

Programme Overview

  • The Moonlight programme will feature a constellation of approximately five lunar satellites designed to facilitate accurate autonomous landings, high-speed communication, and surface mobility on the Moon.
  • These satellites are expected to enable data transfer over 250,000 miles (400,000 kilometres) between Earth and the Moon.

Mission Timeline

  • The initial phase will include the launch of Lunar Pathfinder, a communications relay satellite built by Surrey Satellite Technology ....

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