Argonaut Industry Day 2025: Advancing Europe's Lunar Exploration Ambitions
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Date: 6 March 2025
Location: ALTEC Headquarters – Auditorium Room, Corso Marche 79, 10146 Torino, Italy
The European Space Agency (ESA) and Thales Alenia Space are hosting the Argonaut Lunar Descent Element (LDE) Supplier Industry Day, an event dedicated to pushing the boundaries of Europe’s lunar exploration. This is not just a meeting; it is a gateway to the future of European space exploration. It is an opportunity to witness the unfolding of a vision—a step towards securing a lasting presence on the Moon.
Discovering the Argonaut Project
Argonaut is Europe’s bridge to the Moon. It is more than a spacecraft; it is a commitment to exploration, and a promise of progress. Versatility is at its core: Whether delivering cargo and infrastructure, conducting groundbreaking research, deploying rovers, or establishing power stations, Argonaut adapts. It is designed to serve, to explore, and to pave the way.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space Italy to lead European aerospace companies in developing the Argonaut Lunar Descent Element—ESA’s first lunar lander. The Argonaut project will provide Europe with autonomous and sustainable access to the Moon, supporting international exploration programs. From the next decade, Argonaut will embark on regular lunar missions, delivering vital infrastructure, scientific equipment, technology demonstrators, and essential supplies for astronauts, including food, water, and air.
Argonaut is designed to withstand extreme lunar conditions, ensuring operations for up to five years, a key capability for sustainable lunar exploration. The spacecraft integrates seamlessly with ESA’s Lunar Link and Moonlight communication and navigation systems, enhancing precision landing and operational connectivity.
At its heart, Argonaut consists of three key components:
- Lunar Descent Element (LDE): The trusted guide that ensures a precise landing on the Moon.
- Cargo Platform Element: The bridge between the lander and its payload, a foundation for multiple mission types.
- Mission Payload Element: The reason for the journey—supplies for astronauts, scientific instruments, rovers, and more.
The first operational Argonaut mission, ArgoNET, is expected in 2031, with the Lunar Descent Element delivery set for 2030. By the end of 2026, ESA will select the industrial consortium responsible for integrating the first Lunar Descent Element.
By complementing NASA’s Artemis program, Argonaut does more than participate; it strengthens Europe’s foothold in space. It offers an independent cargo delivery system. It creates new possibilities for collaboration. It ensures that Europe plays a critical role in humanity’s return to the Moon.
What to Expect at Argonaut Industry Day
The Argonaut Industry Day is a deep dive into the mission’s latest developments, the road ahead, and the opportunities it brings. The event is structured to inform, to connect, to inspire.
Morning Session – Program Presentations
The day begins with a series of compelling presentations that provide insight into the technical, industrial, and strategic aspects of the Argonaut mission:
- Argonaut LDE Program Overview – ESA
- Argonaut LDE Program Status, Industrial Organization, and Planning – Thales Alenia Space Italy (TAS-I)
- Argonaut LDE Structure, Thermal System, AIT, Software – TAS-I
- Argonaut LDE Propulsion and Fluidic Systems – Thales Alenia Space UK (TAS-UK)
- Argonaut LDE Data Handling System – Thales Alenia Space France (TAS-F)
- Argonaut LDE GNC, Power, and Communication – OHB Germany
- Procurement Process, Geo-return Targets, and Timeline – TAS-I
Afternoon Session – One-on-One Meetings
The afternoon brings an opportunity to engage directly with key stakeholders. Attendees will have the chance to participate in individual discussions with representatives from:
- Thales Alenia Space Italy (TAS-I)
- Thales Alenia Space France (TAS-F)
- Thales Alenia Space UK (TAS-UK)
- OHB Germany
These face-to-face meetings are more than just conversations. They are chances to forge new partnerships, explore collaboration opportunities, and delve into procurement processes and upcoming invitations to tender (ITTs).
Procurement Opportunities
A diverse range of procurement opportunities will be discussed, including:
- Structural & Mechanical Systems – Landing legs, harness, thermal control systems
- On-Board Systems – On-board computer, remote terminal units, video monitoring cameras
- Propulsion & Fluidic Components – RCS thrusters, pressure regulator systems, propellant tanks
- Communication & Power Systems – S-/X-Band Deep Space Transponder, X-Band Travelling Wave-Tube Amplifier, batteries, solar array assembly
- Navigation & Sensing Equipment – Star tracker sensors, lidar, coarse sun sensor, inertial monitoring unit
- Software & Testing Facilities – Application SW/ISVV/SVF, field test/test facilities
Who Should Attend?
This event is open to companies from ESA Member States participating in the European Exploration Envelope Programme (E3P), including Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Austrian entities interested in participating should contact Argonaut Procurement Manager, Mr. A. Vigna, before registering.
How to Register
To secure your participation, please complete the Argonaut Industry Day Registration Form and submit it via email to alessandro.demasi@thalesaleniaspace.com
Early registration is encouraged as spots are limited.
All participants must register by February 24, 2025 at 12am CET to secure their spot at the event. Late registrations may not be accommodated due to limited availability.
Interested companies are also advised to register on ESA Star.
