The European Space Agency (ESA) has set an ambitious roadmap for Europe’s role in space exploration with its “Explore 2040” initiative. The plan envisions advanced missions to the moon, Mars, and low Earth orbit (LEO), aiming to solidify Europe’s influence in human and robotic exploration.
Aiming for the Moon and Mars
A central goal of Explore 2040 is human exploration of the moon and Mars, with ESA officials emphasizing Europe’s need to speed up its pace in conducting space programs. “We want to bring Europeans around the moon and on the surface of the moon,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration, adding that the agency’s ultimate goal is to bring humans to Mars.
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To enhance lunar exploration, ESA is already providing the European Service Module for NASA’s Orion spacecraft, enabling flights around the moon. This collaboration marks an essential step, but ESA plans to expand its efforts by developing its own landing technology with a new logistics lander called Argonaut. Built in partnership with Airbus, Argonaut is designed to deliver 1.7 tons of cargo to the lunar surface, a crucial factor for sustaining future lunar missions.
Strengthening Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Capabilities
Europe’s plans extend beyond lunar exploration. ESA is working toward establishing a post-International Space Station (ISS) pathway to secure its presence in low Earth orbit. A key component of this strategy includes developing return capabilities for LEO cargo, with the ultimate vision of achieving full European human spaceflight capabilities.
Samantha Cristoforetti, an ESA astronaut, described the agency’s initial goals as demonstrating “end-to-end cargo delivery and return services” to the ISS. These capabilities could pave the way for Europe to maintain a presence in LEO even after the ISS’s retirement, ensuring European access to space-based research and technology development.
Building a Network around Mars with LightShip
In preparation for Mars missions, ESA is spearheading the LightShip program, which aims to create a communications and navigation network around the red planet. LightShip, an electric propulsive tug, is designed to transport spacecraft to Mars, provide essential communication and navigation services, and carry scientific payloads.
This Mars-focused initiative reflects ESA’s commitment to facilitating deeper interplanetary missions. As Neuenschwander explained, the agency is dedicated to developing the infrastructure that will allow European astronauts to explore and conduct research beyond Earth.
Establishing Moonlight for Lunar Connectivity
ESA is also setting up communication and navigation systems for the moon through its Moonlight program. This initiative will establish a permanent network around the moon, essential for future lunar operations and a step towards long-term lunar presence. ESA is currently preparing several small lunar missions, the details of which will be confirmed after the 2025 Ministerial Council summit.
Importance of the 2025 Ministerial Summit
The upcoming 2025 Ministerial Council summit is expected to play a critical role in determining the trajectory of Europe’s space aspirations. During this meeting, ESA member states will decide on the future course of the agency’s lunar and Mars ambitions, along with funding commitments necessary for the Explore 2040 initiative.
In addition to these current projects, ESA is preparing for the launch of the long-awaited Rosalind Franklin rover, set to deploy to Mars in 2024. The rover will be part of the larger Mars Sample Return mission, which ESA is undertaking in collaboration with NASA, highlighting Europe’s intent to lead in interplanetary exploration and scientific discovery.
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In parallel with Explore 2040, ESA is working on a broader document, ESA Strategy 2040, which will outline the agency’s overall vision for the next two decades. This draft, currently under review, emphasizes ESA’s commitment to innovative exploration and highlights the need for consistent support from its 22 member states. As ESA Director-General Josef Aschbacher explained, support from member states is crucial to bringing these ambitious plans to life.