ESA Initiates Lunar Exploration Support with Satellite Constellation Project

The European Space Agency (ESA) announced on the 15th that it is promoting a large-scale satellite constellation project to support lunar exploration and development.

This project aims to support public and private lunar exploration missions over the next 20 years.

Named the "Moonlight Lunar Communications and Navigation Services" (LCNS), this constellation system will consist of a total of five satellites, with the first satellite being developed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in the UK.

ESA plans to launch the first satellite in 2026, provide initial services in 2028, and commence full services by 2030.

ESA has prioritized the lunar South Pole region, where the U.S. and China are focusing their exploration efforts, to provide communication and navigation support for precise lunar landings and exploration.

Once this satellite constellation system is established, precise autonomous lunar landings and surface mobility will become feasible, and ultra-high-speed communication and data transmission between the Earth and the Moon will be possible, according to ESA.

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher emphasized the importance of this constellation project, stating that it will play a crucial role not only in current lunar exploration but also in future commercial lunar development, underscoring ESA’s central role in lunar exploration and development.



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ESA Initiates Lunar Exploration Support with Satellite Constellation Project