Lunar Pathfinder
European communication satellite for the Moon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lunar Pathfinder is a future lunar communications satellite[1][2][3] and a precursor to the Moonlight constellation,[4] under development by the European Space Agency (ESA). It is expected to launch in 2026 with the Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Mission 2.[5][6]
| Mission type | Lunar communications satellite |
|---|---|
| Operator | ESA |
| Website | https://bsgn.esa.int/service/lunar-pathfinder/ |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | SSTL |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | NET 2026 |
Timeline
- In April 2018, the ESA signed a collaboration agreement with Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) and Goonhilly Earth Station (GES) for Commercial Lunar Mission Support Services (CLMSS). The agreement included collaboration on the Lunar Pathfinder mission.[7]
- In October 2019, the Lunar Pathfinder mission was in its pilot phase and had its first business review successfully completed.[8]
- In March 2023, the ESA selected Firefly Aerospace to deliver Lunar Pathfinder to lunar orbit via the Blue Ghost vehicle.[9]
